In an interview with Championat.com , Varazdat Haroyan, who retired from the Armenian national team, said that Eduard Spertsyan deserves to wear the captain’s armband.
“I haven’t spoken with the guys, but Edik deserves to be captain. He deserves more—he must leave the Russian Premier League, play in a top European league, and open a new chapter in his career. I’m not saying Russia’s league is weak. He became a champion there and plays well, but it’s time he shows himself in Europe,” Haroyan said.
Commenting on Spertsyan’s decision to reject an offer from Southampton, Haroyan noted: “If he made such a choice, it means it was the right one. If now wasn’t the right time to move, that’s fine. He’s a great professional and will still have the chance to play in Europe. I’m sure he’ll become a big star.”
Asked if Spertsyan could repeat or even surpass Henrikh Mkhitaryan’s career, Haroyan replied: “To be honest, it will be difficult for Edik. If you look at Mkhitaryan’s career, all his teams were from Europe’s top leagues. Will Edik get that much time to switch so many great clubs? That’s unclear. But I’m 100% sure he will transfer to one of them. I believe in him.”
Haroyan left the national team after Yeghishe Melikyan was appointed head coach, saying he could not work under him.
