Today, Igor Ponomarev, one of the symbolic figures in the history of Azerbaijani football, turns 66.
İdman.Biz reports that Igor Ponamaryov has gone down in history as the only football player from our country to win the Olympic champion title (Seoul-1988). He also set a unique record as the best penalty taker in the USSR championship - 24 consecutive accurate shots.
Speaking to İdman.Biz on his birthday, the veteran football player talked about the most memorable birthday and the most valuable gift of his life.
"Among my birthdays, I remember my 50th birthday the most. A large number of guests gathered that day, many of them came from abroad to congratulate me. Of course, it is impossible to forget the congratulation of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.
As for gifts, I usually don't pay special attention to them. But I will never forget the leather ball my father gave me. This is one of the brightest moments of my childhood memories. You can't imagine how happy I was when I received that desired gift from my father's hand. I think that was the most memorable gift of my life," said the Olympic champion.