Karo Haghverdian (Armenian: Կարո Հախվերդյան; Persian: کارو حقوردیان; born January 11, 1945)[1] is a retired Iranian Armenian football player.
Early life
Haghverdian started playing football at the age of 13 when he joined amateur side Gohar F.C.[2] Under the guidance of coach Areshavir Yeritsian, Haghverdian developed into a star player for the team. However, his parents - worried about how his passion for football was affecting his schooling - cautioned Haghverdian to stop playing football and to concentrate on his studies instead.[2]
Going against his parents' wishes, Haghverdian continued to play. His performances on the pitch helped his team win several local championships.[2]
Career
In 1963, Haghverdian was spotted by Ararat Tehran FC coach Garnik Mehrabian. Noticing his talent, Mehrabian immediately signed Haghverdian to a contract for the remainder of the season.[2] Haghverdian continued to play for the team for three seasons, until he was spotted by Taj S.C. manager Zdravko Rajkov.[1] Haghverdian spent 6 seasons with Taj S.C., in which he participated in a record 17 Tehran Derbies against rival Persepolis F.C.[3]
International
Haghverdian received 23 caps by the Iran national football team, scoring his only goal against Pakistan in the 1970 RCD Cup.[4]
References
- ^ a b Karo Haghverdian at National-Football-Teams.com
- ^ a b c d "Statistics: Iran [ Team Melli]". teammelli.com.
- ^ matcheshttp://www.fifa.com/classicfootball/stories/classicderby/news/newsid=1165699.html
- ^ "Statistics: Iran [ Team Melli]". teammelli.com.
External sources
- Karo Haghverdian at National-Football-Teams.com