Story Chronicles the Career of the First, Only American to Score for Arsenal
(ROANOKE, VA) – “The Arsenal Yankee” – the autobiography chronicling American Danny Karbassiyoon’s career as a professional player and scout for Arsenal Football Club (Arsenal) – today announces its release in North America, available in paperback and Amazon Kindle.
The first and only American to score a goal for the world-renowned club, Karbassiyoon’s story covers his amazing journey of being spotted by the English Premier League power as a youth player growing up in rural Virginia to his current role with the club as Head North American Scout.
The book’s foreword is provided by Arsène Wenger, Arsenal’s current manager and three-time Premier League champion.
“I had Danny with us at Arsenal as a young professional. He had huge ability and played as a striker. He made it into the first team at Arsenal on a few occasions and we were always very impressed with his attitude and approach,” said Wenger, a six-time FA Cup winner.
At age 18, he trialed alongside Arsenal legends Dennis Bergkamp, Thierry Henry and Patrick Viera. After being offered a contract, he trained daily with the likes of Robin Van Persie, Cesc Fabregas and Philippe Senderos.
Karbassiyoon’s pinnacle moment occurred during one of his few first-team appearances with Arsenal. In a Carling Cup match versus rival Manchester City, he entered as a late substitute and received a perfect pass from Fabregas that he drove into the far corner.
“My journey – from Arsenal’s first team, to an injury-shortened career, to uncovering the next Arsenal superstar – is proof to millions of youth players in America that anything is possible,” says Karbassiyoon. “I hope my story will inspire the next generation of athletes to follow their hearts, and even the loftiest of dreams can come true.”
Even with devastating injuries which led to an early retirement, Karbassiyoon’s hard work, dedication and willingness to succeed shined through and he was later handpicked by Wenger to identify talented footballers for Arsenal in North and Central America. Karbassiyoon is credited with discovering current Arsenal players Joel Campbell and Gideon Zelalem.
For interview requests and hi-res photographs, please contact Glenn Gray at 540.718.1731 or ggray@buffalobig.com.
Originally published in the United Kingdom by Hamilton House, “The Arsenal Yankee” can be purchased in paperback and Amazon Kindle at www.TheArsenalYankee.com.
Karbassiyoon (second from left) after scoring in debut vs. Manchester City (Photo Courtesy of Arsenal Football Club)
About Danny Karbassiyoon
Danny Karbassiyoon was born August 10, 1984 in Roanoke, Va. to an Iranian father and Italian mother. He played for Roanoke Star Soccer Club as a youth.
At age 18, he signed with Arsenal Football Club and spent the 2003/2004 and 2004/2005 seasons with the club, including a loan in 2005 to Ipswich Town Football Club. In 2005/2006, Danny signed with Championship side Burnley Football club before retiring due to injury.
Currently, Danny is the Head North American Scout for Arsenal and resides in London, UK. He is also the Co-Founder of Fury90.com, a next generation fantasy simulation soccer game.
For more information, visit www.TheArsenalYankee.com.
Follow Danny on Twitter: @Dkarbassiyoon.
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