"Ararat 73" - 40 years after: Legendary goalkeeper Alyosha Abrahamyan trains "Ararat" new shift

YEREVAN, MARCH 13, ARMENPRESS: Alyosha Abrahamyan, team’s goalkeeper was one of the heroes of "Ararat 73" historical victory. Armenian footballer has not quitted the football field and is currently engaged in coaching the team.

"Armenpress" opens that "golden page" in the history book of the Armenian sport. Both the heroes and witnesses of the heroic triumph of "Ararat 73" tell new details about the club's achievements.

Alyosha Abrahamyan was born in 29 August, 1945. He was a goalkeeper for the USSR football team Ararat, which won the USSR national championship in 1973. He won silver medal of the USSR in 1971. Two years later became cup-holder of the country and was awarded to USSR golden medal. He played 189 matches in Ararat team.

-Please state what is the difference between current day football and the one you used to play 40 years ago?

-I guess that everything has become somehow faster today. Now footballers play and move faster. Then we were "suffering a lot" for the ball. I always find resemblances between "Ararat" and "Barcelona". We were playing with short races, swiftly and planned attacks, we were playing in the corners of the field.

- Does Mr. Abrahamyan have a favorite club? What matches do you follow and who is your favorite footballer?

- Yes, I am fan for "Manchester United". My favorite footballer is Éric Daniel Pierre Cantona, who unfortunately does not play any more. I love the football demonstrated by our National team footballers. I confidently state our footballers are playing good. They are good at showing resolute outcomes in group stages. National Team member Henrikh Mkhitaryan is a promising sportsman; he will have a great future. The fact Yura Movsisyan is playing in Spartak was also a big progress. We have great expectations regarding this footballer as well. (THE FULL VERSION OF THE INTERVIEW IS AVAILABLE IN ARMENIAN)

Interview by Varvara Hayrapetyan