Karo Haghverdian (Armenian: Կարո Հախվերդեան; Persian: کارو حقوردیان; born January 11, 1945)[1] is a retired Iranian Armenian football player.
Haghverdian started playing football at the age of 13 when he joined amateur side Gohar F.C.[2] Under the guidance of coach Areshavir Yeritsian, Haghverdian developed into a star player for the team. However, his parents - worried about how his passion for football was affecting his schooling - cautioned Haghverdian to stop playing football and to concentrate on his studies instead.[2]
Going against his parents' wishes, Haghverdian continued to play. His performances on the pitch helped his team win several local championships.[2]
In 1963, Haghverdian was spotted by Ararat Tehran FC coach Garnik Mehrabian. Noticing his talent, Mehrabian immediately signed Haghverdian to a contract for the remainder of the season.[2] Haghverdian continued to play for the team for three seasons, until he was spotted by Taj S.C. manager Zdravko Rajkov.[1] Haghverdian spent 6 seasons with Taj S.C., in where he participated in a record 17 Tehran derbys against rival Persepolis F.C.[3]
Haghverdian received 23 caps by the Iran national football team, scoring his only goal against Pakistan in the 1970 RCD Cup.[4]
Iran squad – 1968 AFC Asian Cup winners (1st title) | ||
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