"Since childhood, I have had a great interest in this sport. I always played football with my friends in the yard after doing my lessons."
Idman.Biz reports that these words were said by former FIFA referee Zohrab Gadiev, who currently works as a referee inspector at Baku TV.
Gadiev spoke about his love for football: "They called me "Anatoli Banishevski." The game I played in the main team of "Neftchi" on April 20, 1990, is my most memorable match. Football opened my eyes. I am proud of myself for choosing this path."
He also spoke about his career as a football referee: "Refereeing is my second hobby. I finished my football career at the age of 35 and started refereeing at the age of 36. This field is more difficult. I currently work as a referee inspector. When I go to games in Tovuz, they applaud me standing up. I earned this respect there."
Zohrab Gadiev also compared today's and past football: "Although football was dangerous at that time, it was very strong. Technically, the opportunities were not the same as now, and spectators could easily enter the playing field. Today's football players run a lot, but it has no effect."