The 21-year-old Australian defensive midfielder Liam Rose left his divertive country and started his long journey to the small country in the mountainous Caucasus region between Asia and Europe, which is most known to the world as a homeland of the Arsenal player Henrikh Mkhitaryan-Armenia.
After playing 4 seasons in A-League the player has joined Armenian Premier League newcomers Ararat Armenia.
With lots of excitement and a big hope for the future, the Liam Rose has talked with Vivaro News journalist about his career, Australian national team and big dreams.
When and where you started your career?
I’ve started when I was 5, I think. I’m from a family of 5 kids, so I have my older brother who started playing and my other brother started joining as well. I played a year and just fell in love with the game. Then I’ve been lucky enough to play in Central Coast Mariners. They offered me a contract and I stayed there 4 and a half years and now I’m in Armenia.
What can you say about your former club?
They’re great. I have many great memories. I love the club, I love the Country. They have strong place in my heart. I would always wish the best and I hope that they will do the best and start getting victories, make the fans happy.
Have you ever heard about Armenian football before the offer from Ararat Armenia?
To be honest I hadn’t heard about football in this country. My agent called me and told me that the offer is on the table. It’s the different experience and I wanted to try something new. It’s a beautiful country I came here with my girlfriend as well and she loves it. Armenia is different from Australia but I’m excited and I’m happy to be here and I’m loving everyone.
Photo credits
: Ararat Armenia
Is it hard to let your family there and come from far away?
I have a very supportive family they support me with all my decisions and everything I do. It’s hard to be far away especially when you have a big family. But I’m here with my girlfriend and she’s trying to make it easier. I can’t thank enough to her. She has been incredible in whole process and my family has and her family too.
What can you say about your current team matches
The first game we did well and get important points. That was a long trip. Last week we didn’t get 3 points which is disappointing. We’ve done a video we have looked at every game and see the thing we’re working on. We’re going to work hard this week and hopefully get 3 points.
Maybe you know Henrikh Mkhitaryan, who plays for Arsenal. He started his career in Armenian Premier League. Do you want to follow in his footsteps?
Everyone dreams about it. We’re all watching the Premier League games every week. Henrikh Mkhitaryan is playing in one of the best places and he is one of the best players. You have young Armenian football players who want to look like him and it’s really great that you have player like him.
I want to work hard in Ararat Armenia do well. That’s important to me. We’re working hard the players, the coach and just let’s see what happens. We’re going to win every game and that’s the goal now.
You also played in Australian youth teams. Do you have hope to play in the National team?
I was lucky enough to play in a U17 team and also for young Socceroos U20 and be the part of the camp. It’s my goal to continue to work and one day play for the Socceroos. It will be hard but I will work hard, keep my head down and try the best I can and see what the future holds.
Tim Cahill retired from International football. Who his absence can reflect on the team and who can replace him?
He has been around for a long time. He is one of the most famous Australian players in the world. He is a big loss a big name. He has done everything scored goals in highest leagues in the highest levels. But we have young strikers coming through- Jamie Maclaren, Tomi Juric. They are doing better day by day and they will try to do what Cahill has done.
There is also one famous name in Australian footballer- Daniel Arzani who signed for Manchester City. What can you say about him?
I’ve played with him in young national teams. Back then you could see how good he was. And he is getting better and better. Every game he was improving. He deserved to play in the World Cup and he did very well. He has signed for the Manchester City and it’s a big move for him. He is a great kid and comes to a great family as well and I can’t wait to see what future hold to him.
Do you have a dream club, where you want to play in the future and who is your idol?
As a kid, I grew up watching AC Milan. My mom comes from South Italy. I always loved Andrea Pirlo. The way he plays is elegant. He is one of the best players in the world. And he is someone whom I always looked up to. I dream to play for AC Milan and I will keep working hard.
Interviewed by Alla Zakaryan