Archive for February 13th, 2007

The sad story of Danny Karbassiyoon

265 comments February 13th, 2007

When Danny Karbassiyoon signed for Arsenal in July 2004, he was a highly rated American forward of Iranian/Italian parentage. During his time at the club, his versatility was put to good use as he converted to left-back, making several appearances in the Carling Cup, including scoring an absolute pearl against Man City on his debut.

However, with Ashley Cole and Gael Clichy ahead of him his opportunities were always limited. He went out on loan to Ipswich where he proved a significant success, before eventually signing for Burnley in June 2005.

A spate of knee problems proved his undoing there, and after a difficult first year and unsuccessful trial with AZ Alkmaar, he found himself without a club this season. Crucially, the knee problems worsened, and now, tragically, at the age of just 22, it seems Karbassiyoon’s career is over:

“Some of you may know now if I’ve been able to tell you and some may still be wondering what exactly it is that is going on with my knee, soccer, the draft, the MLS, going back to England, and so on. As stupid as it is to find out through a facebook note, I figure its the easiest way to let everyone know without leaving anyone out…that is of course if you even bothering reading this, which is totally up to you.

I’ve been to DC and Miami since I came home in September to see different doctors and get different opinions regarding my knee. Unfortunately, all the docs I’ve spoken with share the same thoughts in terms of the state of my knee: another operation wouldn’t guarantee anything but could possibly be a temporary cure. They said on top of that, another operation, if i continue playing, would be inevitable in a couple years if that long. So, already I’m looking at least 2 more operations to continue playing and horrible knee problems when I get older.

As hard as it is to just walk away from playing soccer, I’m trying to be as sensible as I can for my future. Soccer gave me so much and allowed me to meet so many interesting people, while taking me all around the world and I would never trade that for anything.

Most of all though, I just wanted to say thank you to anyone and everyone that helped me get to where I was and where I am. From my family to my best friends to the people that I’ve met through facebook, myspace, and other means, I really appreciate all the support and words of encouragement you’ve given me over the past five or six years. I’d never have had the strength to keep going with out you guys and I mean it. So as I sit here at a huge crossroads of my life, awaiting a new challenge and whatnot, I send my thanks, love, and appreciation to all of you and wish you all the success in the world.”

It really is terribly sad to see someone’s career end so young. Karbassiyoon was very well thought of both as a person and a player, and fortunately has had a significant academic education that will serve him well in the rest of his life. Best wishes and good luck from all at Arsenal, Danny.

It makes you realise that when people say Theo Walcott is struggling, you have to at least be thankful that he remains relatively injury free. Arsene has talked about the importance of him reaching 19 without a major injury, and Karbassiyoon is evidence of what can happen should the unthinkable occur.

Continuing to look to the future, we’re reportedly after on-loan Liverpool goalkeeper Scott Carson. I have to say I’ve been very impressed with him, and whilst there is a lot of fuss over Ben Foster at Watford, Carson is certainly close to him in terms of ability.

I’m sure as the day goes on there will be team news for tomorrow’s FA Cup tie with Bolton. I’d be very, very surprised if Thierry is even in the squad.


Search Gunnerblog

Get your Gunnerblog t-shirts now!

get regular updates from GS with twitter

Top Gunn

Cesc Fabregas
The man in form.

    Retro Arsenal T-Shirts from
RetroFootballTShirts.co.uk - Bringing Back The Good Old Days!:
www.retrofootballtshirts.co.uk: Click Here!

Latest Posts

Sponsored Links

Calendar

February 2007
M T W T F S S
« Jan   Mar »
 1234
567891011
12131415161718
19202122232425
262728  

Posts by Month


Most Recent Posts

Posts by Category

Syndication

Powered By

eXTReMe Tracker