Lokomotiv player Tiknizyan explained the decision to play for Armenia by removing the Russians
Russian Lokomotiv football player Nair Tiknizyan explained the decision to play for the Armenian national team. His words are quoted by Metaratings.
The defender said that he was affected by the removal of Russian teams from international tournaments. “I couldn’t help but take the chance and not play against the top teams at the international level. I have it, thank God, there is. Armenia gave it to me, I am grateful for it,” Tiknizyan shared.
Tiknizyan’s decision to play for the Armenian national team became known on March 7. Later, the footballer received an Armenian passport. He will be able to play in the 2024 European Championship qualification match against Turkey, which will be held on March 25 in Yerevan.
Tiknizyan played for the junior and youth teams of Russia. This season, the 23-year-old has made 28 appearances for Lokomotiv in all competitions, scoring one goal and making five assists.
On February 28, 2022, the International Football Federation and the Union of European Football Associations excluded Russian teams and clubs from international tournaments.
Source: Lenta
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