PACHAJYAN DREAMS OF FOREIGN FIELDS
by Khachik Chakhoyan from Yerevan

UEFA
Dec 13 2007
Switzerland

Named Armenia’s Player of the Year for the first time in 2007,
midfielder Levon Pachajyan tells uefa.com he is still dreaming of
making his name abroad.

Pressures of success One of the stars of FC Pyunik’s seventh successive
title triumph in Armenia, Pachajyan has been thrilled to see his
efforts recognised by the leading player award, but he says: "With
this recognition come vast obligations and pressure. People respect me
and I have to do everything to justify their expectations. I have to
do well for my club and doubly well for the national team. Then this
award might open doors for me to other countries and foreign clubs."

Overseas dream Indeed, the 24-year-old, who has now won five Armenian
championships, feels the time may be approaching for him to further
his career abroad. "Every Armenian player dreams of representing one
of the leading European clubs and playing in a major league," said
Pachajyan. "It is exactly the same for me. It is massive honour to
play for a major European club, but it is hard to earn a move to one.

First you have to establish yourself in one of the more modest
leagues."

International experience If domestic football offers Pachajyan a
limited opportunity to impress foreign scouts, his performances
for the national side have given him plenty of chance to get out
and about. With Armenia recording decent results in UEFA EURO 2008~Y
qualifying prior to the death of coach Ian Porterfield, the experience
has doubtless served the player well. However, he still has a way to
go to emulate his hero: Brazilian left-back Roberto Carlos.

Studies resumed Nonetheless, he has time on his side, and with
international team-mate Edgar Manucharyan beginning to make progress
at AFC Ajax, other clubs are sure to be keeping a close watch on
Armenian talent.

Pachajyan, meanwhile, hopes to have qualifications to fall back
on if his footballing dream does not work out. "I quit university
to concentrate on football," he said. "However, I have started a
correspondence course at a university in Moscow to make up for that."