uefa.com, Switzerland
July 10 2004

Karamyan twins set for Rapid

Twin brothers Artavazd and Arman Karamyan are to become the first
Armenians to play in the Romanian First Division after signing for
AFC Rapid Bucuresti in a 120,000 move from FC Arsenal Kyiv.

Identical careers
The pair, both Armenian internationals are 24 and have signed
two-and-a-half year contracts. Artavazd, a midfield player and Arman,
a striker, have always been at the same clubs – beginning at FC MIKA,
moving to FC Pyunik then Greek side Panahaiki GC and Ukrainian club
Arsenal. However, they never settled in Kiev and have been playing at
Pyunik in Yerevan since February.

‘Fast and efficient’
They were recommended to Rapid by former Armenia coach Mihai
Stoichita and Rapid technical director Dan Apolzan spotted them in an
international tournament in Cyprus in February. Rapid president Dinu
Gheorghe said: “We hope to have done a very good deal, because both
players are very fast and efficient.” Ironically, both could face
Romania with Armenia in November when the nations meet in FIFA World
Cup qualifying.