Yura Movsisyan, the former forward who wore the shirts of Krasnodar, Spartak, and the Armenia national team, weighed in on Arsen Zakharyan’s decision to represent Russia instead of Armenia at the international level. The comment, captured across interviews, sparked discussion among fans and pundits alike, and it was noted by Metaratings.ru.
In a candid talk, Zakharyan acknowledged that Armenia had extended an offer to him to join its senior squad. Yet, having spent his formative years in the Russian system, from youth squads onward, he chose to remain with Russia, a decision rooted in his long-standing development path. He explained that the choice felt natural to him given his extensive experience within Russian football structures since the age of 15. Movsisyan later reflected on this, underscoring the sensitivity surrounding national team allegiance and the expectations placed on players whose careers bridge multiple nations. He made clear that while Armenia would have welcomed him, he respects the player’s freedom to choose his own path, even if that path diverges from Armenian national interests. The sentiment from Movsisyan was that it is not for outsiders to judge a player’s loyalty, but rather to acknowledge the personal journey that leads to a national team decision (Metaratings.ru).
During the last season, Zakharyan contributed significantly to Dynamo Moscow in the Russian Premier League, appearing in 29 league games, scoring seven times, and providing six assists. His output helped Dynamo finish the campaign in third place on the standings, a solid result for a club that had targeted higher silverware. The season carried some disappointment, as Dynamo narrowly missed a silver medal after a final-round loss to Sochi. In addition, the team reached the Russian Cup final, where they were edged out by the capital club Spartak, leaving Dynamo with a runner-up finish in domestic cup competition. These results reflected a competitive period for Dynamo under the guidance of head coach Sandro Schwarz, who has since departed the club. The performances of Zakharyan were a bright spot in an otherwise variable season (Metaratings.ru).
Movsisyan also commented on Russia’s status in international sport as a whole, describing a shift in allegiance rules as a highly unusual moment. He suggested that changing citizenship for sports purposes, at this juncture, is a drastic measure that can carry deep consequences for how players are perceived by fans, teammates, and national federations alike. The veteran striker’s perspective highlighted the broader debate surrounding dual nationality, eligibility, and the evolving landscape of international football where players increasingly navigate multiple national loyalties. His view emphasized that such moves carry emotional weight for supporters in Armenia and for followers of the Russian national team alike, and that the decision, while personal, resonates beyond the individual player (Metaratings.ru).