B/R Exclusive: Catching Up With Danny Karbassiyoon

Danny Karbassiyoon is a name many Arsenal fans in the USA will know and remember. Danny moved to Arsenal at the age of 18, and was a very talented striker. After his move to Arsenal, he was converted into a left-back and was the first American to score for the Gunners, with a superb finish against Manchester City in a League Cup game.

Unfortunately, for Danny though, he couldn't quite make it at Arsenal—and after such a huge disappointment, he had to face the heart break of having to retire at the age of 22 due to a recurring knee injury.

Danny is now a scout for Arsenal in the North America and Mexico regions.

I caught up with Danny Karbassiyoon and asked him a few questions about him and his time at Arsenal.

1. Danny, when did you start playing football? What got you interested in the sport?

I started playing soccer when I was roughly five-years-old. My dad still plays today and I'd go watch him play all the time. Growing up in an Iranian/Italian household (dad/mom) kind of made it easier because they didn't really follow much of anything else.

2. You started off being a forward, and then ended up playing at left-back—how exactly did that happen?

There were a lot of strikers at the club while I was there and I was quite far down the pecking order (Henry, Bergkamp, Van Persie, Wiltord, Aliadiere, etc...). Mr. Wenger was watching training one day and recommended I be tried at left back. I trained in the position for a couple of days, and then played against Watford in the reserves that week. After that, I made the left back position my own in the reserves and stayed there through the following year at Arsenal and for the rest of my time in England.

3. How did the move to Arsenal come about? 

I was seen at a college recruiting event here in the States called Adidas ESP. My coach was Paul Mariner and Bob McNab was also present at the camp. With their obvious connections to Arsenal, they made a phone call and Steve Rowley, the chief scout came out to North Carolina and watched me. Once the camp came to an end, I received a phone call from Steve and was on a plane to London for my trial a week later.

4. What did it feel like to meet a huge figure in football like Arsene Wenger so early in your career?

I spoke to him after I arrived in London, during my trial. Mr. Wenger is an incredible man and his knowledge of the game is unbelievable. I wish I were lucky enough to know exactly how he thinks about everything because its so evident as a fan of the club that his decisions always seem so spot on. It was pretty surreal meeting him. It was actually pretty surreal being at Arsenal on trial in the first place!

5. Your first goal for Arsenal—a wonderful finish against Manchester City—was engineered by one Cesc Fabregas; What did you think of him the first time you saw him play?

You could definitely tell Cesc was special, even when he was training with the reserves and youth team in his first year at Arsenal. He was never the fastest on the field, but his mind worked ten times quicker than anyone else's mind. His passing ability, touch, vision, creativity, and intelligence are unparalleled, and it makes him a joy to watch every weekend.

6. How did you feel when the time came for you to leave Arsenal?

Seeing as Arsenal was my first club and my release from them would be in essence my first form of "rejection" of my career, I didn't really know how to take it. When you think about it, though, players get released every year and it doesn't mean you failed in anyway. Making it in the first team at Arsenal Football Club is incredibly difficult and loads of players have gone on to have brilliant careers after being released or let go by Arsenal.

I left with my head held high, happy to know I played for Arsenal's first team, was the first American to score for the club, and ready to find a new challenge.

7. Your career was unfortunately cut-short due to a knee injury—how has your knee been since you retired from the game?

My knee has definitely seen better days! I just had surgery in February where a lot of work was done and I'm hoping that within a year I'll be able to jog again and be somewhat comfortable again.

8. Which players influenced you the most at Arsenal? You played with the likes of Thierry Henry, Patrick Vieira and Dennis Bergkamp—any words of encouragement which they gave you that you would like to share with us?

My favorite player at Arsenal was Robert Pires. The first team players are very encouraging to the younger kids coming through because they know how tough it is. I'd have to say that actions speak louder than words in most sports, though. Just watching Pires on a Saturday at Highbury was incredible, and I learned a lot from watching his movement, his attitude, and most of all his ability on the ball.

9. You're still involved in the game—does that satisfy you in some way?

It is nice to still be involved in soccer. I love this game, and although its hard at times to watch because I wish I could play so much, I still enjoy it. I'm hoping that once my knee has recovered I'll be able to at least kick around a little just to keep somewhat sane!

10. What is the support like for Arsenal in the USA?

Arsenal's support is huge in the US. The official fan club here is called Arsenal America and it covers both the US and Canada. Even during my playing days, I remember them coming over to the reserve games and cheering both Frank Simek and I on. I've met a lot of the members and I'm glad to say they are just as crazy and passionate as the London based Arsenal fans. They recently made me the "Honorary President" of the fan club and it really is an honor to be associated with such a great organization.

I'd like to thank Danny profusely for taking his time out and answering all those questions. It is heartening to see that he is still involved in football.

Let's hope that Danny's knee condition improves—and let's also hope that he finds players with great quality in the USA and Mexico.