Dmitry An Explained

Dmitry An
Fullname:Dmitry Ivanovich An
Birth Date:2 May 1939
Birth Place:Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic
Death Place:Uzbekistan
Position:forward
Years1:1962–1963
Clubs1:Pakhtakor
Caps1:2
Goals1:0
Years2:1964–1969
Clubs2:Dustlik
Caps2:183
Goals2:32

Dmitry Ivanovich An (Russian: Дмитрий Ан; 2 May 1939 – 20 May 2018) was an Uzbekistani footballer.

Life and career

An was born on 2 May 1939 in the Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic. He grew up in the Tashkent Region, Uzbekistan. As a youth player, An joined the youth academy of Uzbekistani side Pakhtakor. He became the first ethnic Korean player to graduate from their youth academy. He started his senior career with Uzbekistani side Pakhtakor. He became the first ethnic Korean player to play in the Soviet top flight.[1] In 1964, he signed for Uzbekistani side Dustlik before retiring from professional football.

An mainly operated as a forward. He was known for his heading ability. He was described as "considered the best scorer of high balls in the All-Union Championship".[2]

He obtained a USSR Master of Sport certification. He died on 20 May 2018 in Uzbekistan. An was of Korean descent. He was the brother of Soviet Union international Mikhail An.[3]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Дмитрий Ан: “Футбол был для него смыслом жизни”. mytashkent.uz.
  2. Web site: Памяти выдающегося футболиста Дмитрия Ана. koryo-saram.site.
  3. Web site: Ан Дмитрий Иванович. sport-strana.ru.