21-year-old Orlando City footballer Harvey Sarajian has decided to represent Armenia’s national football team, the Football Federation of Armenia (FFA) announced.
Former Armenia international Yura Movsisyan, who serves as the FFA’s ambassador in North America, played a key role in securing the Armenian-American player’s commitment.
Movsisyan said he had been following Sarajian’s development for some time and was impressed by his performances, goalscoring ability, and progress in MLS and Orlando City’s second team.
“He is a very promising footballer,” Movsisyan said, adding that he had discussed the player’s potential with national team head coach Yeghishe Melikyan before traveling to Orlando to meet Sarajian personally.
“He agreed to play for our national team and was very happy about the opportunity. Harvey’s father and grandfather are Armenian, so the entire family welcomed the news with great excitement,” Movsisyan said.
The former Armenia striker also praised Sarajian’s physical and technical abilities, describing him as tall, fast, and technically skilled.
“His physical attributes, playing qualities, and potential are exactly what our national team desperately needs,” he added.
Sarajian, who was born and raised in the United States, said representing Armenia holds deep personal significance.
“Although I was born and raised in America, my Armenian heritage has always been an inseparable part of my identity. When this opportunity came, I saw it as a chance to connect more closely with my roots, represent my family, and give the Armenian people something to be proud of,” he said.
Sarajian also described meeting Movsisyan as a special moment and expressed his determination to contribute to Armenian football.
“I know how much football means to the Armenian people. I want to contribute to the development of the national team, help make it more competitive, and hopefully achieve something great and memorable together,” he said.
