Sharu Naraji Explained

Sharu Naraji (born 7 February 1984) is an Iranian former professional footballer who played as a winger.

Early and personal life

Naraji was born in Bolton, England, and grew up in Iran. He is the older brother of fellow player Shana Haji.^{[1] [2]}

Career

Club career

Naraji began his career with Esteghlal, and spent loan spells in Italy with Torino and in Spain with Real Zaragoza.^[1] He signed a one-year contract with English side Sheffield United in August 2005,^{[3] [4]} before signing a contract extension a year later.^[5] He was released by United in May 2007,^[6] having never made an appearance for them in the Football League.^[7] His career was ended by injury.^{[8] [9]}

He was praised by Neil Warnock and former Sheffield United captain Chris Morgan, who compared him with Bayern Munich's Arjen Robben.^[10]

International career

After playing with the Iranian under-20 team,^[3] Naraji was called up to the senior squad in October 2005.^[1] However, due to injury, Naraji was unable to join that squad; injuries also kept him out of the 2006 FIFA World Cup squad.^{[11] [12]}

Notes and References

1. Web site: SHAHRUZ NARAJI THE SECOND IRANIAN IN THE PREMIERSHIP. 11 May 2011. Afshin Dastafshan. Persian Mirror. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20130928180048/http://www.persianmirror.com/Article_det.cfm?id=1411&authorid=65&getArticleCategory=42&getArticleSubCategory=4. 28 September 2013. dmy-all.
2. Web site: Footballmedia.net - footballmedia Resources and Information.
3. News: Naraji pens one-year Blades deal. 11 May 2011. 2 August 2005. BBC Sport.
4. Web site: Iranian Naraji joins Sheffield. 11 May 2011. 8 August 2005. AFC.
5. Web site: Sharu Naraji signs with Sheffield United. 11 May 2011. 2 August 2006. Iran Goals. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20110928012525/http://www.irangoals.com/2006/08/20/sharu-naraji-signs-with-sheffield-united/. 28 September 2011. dmy-all.
6. Web site: Blades cut players free . 11 May 2011 . 21 May 2007 . 4 The Game . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071021104140/http://www.4thegame.com/club/sheffield-united-fc/news/204099/blades_cut_players_free.html . 21 October 2007 .
7. Web site: SHEFFIELD UNITED : 1946/47 - 2009/10. 11 May 2011. Post War English & Scottish Football League A - Z Player's Transfer Database.
8. Web site: Why the beautiful game can't always compensate for the ugliest injustices. . 3 March 2012.
9. Web site: Bolton footballer sues top surgeon for £10m claim that botched operation wrecked career. 7 October 2011.
10. Web site: Ex-Premier player loses £10m battle in the courts.
11. Web site: Iranian making history at Lane . 11 May 2011 . 20 October 2005 . Barnsley Star . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20070312110858/http://www.barnsleytoday.co.uk/ViewArticle.aspx?sectionid=88&articleid=1226431 . 12 March 2007 .
12. Web site: World Cup dreams of British-born Iranian Sharu Naraji shattered. 11 May 2011. 21 October 2005. Ayvand News.