By Eva Sahakyan

YEREVAN, September 2 — On Wednesday the President of the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA) Michel Platini arrived in Armenia to take part in the opening ceremony of the new technical center for Armenian national soccer teams.

In 2007, Platini laid down the foundations of the construction of the center located in Yerevan. Three years later the legendary soccer player was back to be part of the opening ceremony of the multifunctional sports complex.

During the ceremony Armenian President Serge Sarkisian rewarded Platini with the Order of Honor for strengthening cooperation with Armenia in the sphere of sports and for the development of junior soccer in the Republic.

The Order of Honor is awarded for the defense of state and national interests of the Republic of Armenia, for special merits for strengthening independence and democracy, for the establishment and development of friendship with the Armenian Republic and for the considerable contribution in strengthening peace between the nations.

“We reward you for making good passes to us and we hope that you will make them again in future,” Sarkisian said.

Ruben Hayrapetian, the President of the Football Federation of Armenia, mentioned that the doors of the sports complex are open for all athletes. He was enthusiastic to reiterate that today the capital of Armenia has a multifunctional center where all kinds of sports can be developed.

Yerevan Report

Photo caption: President Serge Sarkisian, left, with Michel Platini

Photo source: Armsport