Walter Safarian: I dream to see Armenia at World Cup or Euro

By Vera Martirosyan

YEREVAN. – NEWS.am Sport correspondent talked to one of the most famous sport journalists of Argentina Walter Safarian who covered the key football events and interviews famous athletes during his 30-year work.

I know that you went to Argentina from Lebanon. Can you tell us more about your roots?

No. I was born in Buenos Aires (Argentina) in 1968. My grandparents went to Lebanon from Yerevan and then came to Argentina.

You are very successful sport journalist. Can you share the secret of success. What must person have to be a very good specialist?

My secret is work. I love my job. I’am a journalist for 28 years. Journalism is my passion.

You have interviewed many famous sportsmen and coaches. Which interview was the best in your career?

I talked to many coaches and players. I do not know which was the best. I always remember a talk with Franz Beckenbauer. Others with Sir Alex Fergusona, Maradona, Eric Cantoná, Ciro Ferrara, Hristo Stoichkov, Lionel Messi, Carlos Bilardo and Iván Zamorano, Javier Zanetti, Fernando Hierro, David Trezeguet, Pelé, Carlos Valderrama, René Higuita, Alex Aguinaga, Lothar Matthäus, Roberto Paulo Falcao, Gabriel Batistuta and Hernán Crespo. They are many. Hard to pick just one.

 You often communicate with famous sportsmen. Who do you think is the best as a person?

Everyone is very friendly. I have never had problems.

You were working at the World Cup 2014. What can you say about Argentina's game. Did this team deserve to be a champion?

Argentina had a good World Cup but Germany was the better team. Argentina deserved to play in the final match.

Who will be the next coach of Argentina?

Probably Gerardo Martino.

Do you share an opinion that Messi is the best footballer of all times?

The best footballer of all times? No. Is he now the best player in the world?

European teams won the three last World Cups. Can we say that today Europe is stronger in this “war between South America and Europa"?

European teams were the best in Germany (2006), South Africa (2010) and Brazil (2014). Nothing to discuss.

Now there are financial problems in Argentina. Will it affect football?

The financial problems in Argentina are huge and the soccer is no stranger to it. The solution is to sell players.

There is a big Armenian diaspora in Argentina. One of the best in the world. Are you active in it?

Very active with my friends and with the Deportivo Armenio. I am very proud to be Armenian.

We know Joaquin Boghossian and Mauro Guevgeozián. Are there new Armenian names in South American football?

Not many in the first division.

Joakin's story is well known in Armenia. Did you talk to him after. Did he regret refusing invitation of the Armenian team?

I know Joaquin. I spoke with him yesterday. They are personal decisions. Only he knows, because he said no.

In winter there were speculations that the new coach of the Armenia national squad will be from South America. We heard a lot of names, they said Gregorio Perez will be the new coach. Finally the federation chose a European specialist. Why did the deal fail?

I do not know. Noray Nakis met with Gregorio Perez at the request of President of the Federation. They also spoke with Gustavo Alfaro but they said no.

What do you know about modern Armenian football, besides famous players as Mkhitaryan and Movsisyan?

A lot. I am a fan of Henrik. Yura is a great player, too. Every weekend I follow their performances. Monday night I have a program on European Football on Fox Sports. I hope they will give a lot to the National Team.

You have never been to Armenia. How do you imagine your historical homeland?

I have never been, but I have yet to go. Maybe next year. I know Armenia only by photo, video or by stories of some friends. It would be a dream to be there.

Do you have a football dream that has not come true?

To see Armenia in European Cup or in the World Cup. Complicated but not impossible.

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