I know this Blessed person almost sixty years."[5][6][7] Khomeini also said: "For long years I had known him, admired his calm, peaceful, and assuring spirit, as well as vast knowledge and good deeds."[8] The feelings were apparently mutual; Esfahani said that "No one can be compared with Imam Khomeini."[9] After death of Boroujerdi in 1961, Esfahani tried to declare Khomeini the Grand Marja', replacing Boroujerdi.[10][11][12]