Photos by Tom Smart, Deseret News
ABC 4 Sports – Six years ago, after helping RSL win the MLS Cup, Yura Movsisyan could not pass up the opportunity and big money to play overseas. But after playing in Europe and Russia, Movsisyan was itching to come back to MLS, and Real Salt Lake was the only team he wanted to play for.
“When I decided to come back to MLS a couple years ago, I told them that I only wanted Salt Lake,” Movsisyan said. “Salt Lake is home for me. I had success in Salt Lake.”
Movsisyan is a goal-scorer which is exactly what Real needs. Real was second to last in MLS last year in goals scored. He scored 15 goals with RSL from 2007-2009, and scored 34 goals in six years overseas. At the age 28, Movisysan believes he’s at the top of his game.
“I think now with the experience that I’ve had, playing in different leagues and in different countries, has made me a stronger player,” he said. “Six years ago, I was young when I left. But now I’m back to prove that I’m going to be one of the best strikers in this league.”
Head coach Jeff Cassar can’t wait to see what Movsisyan can do when he’s teamed up with the likes of Joao Plata, Burrito Martinez and Javier Morales.
“Yura is coming back to us as more of a seasoned professional,” Cassar said. “He’s a smarter forward. I’m really excited to get him paired up with the rest of our attacking options, and put out a potent RSL attack.”
“He clearly made a life choice decision to come here,” said owner Dell Loy Hansen, who was sad to see Movisyan leave in 2009. “It wasn’t about money. It was about people he loved, players he loved playing with, and a city that loves him.”
But is coming back to RSL a step down for Movisyan? He doesn’t think so. Movsisyan believes MLS is on par with many leagues around the world.
“I’ve played in Russia and in different leagues, and MLS is up there with them,” said Movisisyan, who played for Spartak Moscow and Randers FC of Denmark. “I didn’t come back to MLS to relax and enjoy my career. No, I’m here to win championships.”