Real Salt Lake: Movsisyan talks about new signing

SANDY — European soccer beckoned for RSL striker Yura Movsisyan, and when it did, the 21-year-old of Armenian heritage didn't hesitate to accept the opportunity.

Movsisyan, who has scored four goals for RSL this season, flew to Europe last weekend and signed a pre-contract to play with Randers FC of Denmark when his contract with MLS expires after this season.

Following a press conference Wednesday at Rio Tinto Stadium to announce that RSL is extending its front jersey-sponsorship deal with XanGo through the 2013 season, Movsisyan spoke publicly for the first time.

According to Movsisyan, moving on to Randers FC, a team that will be participating in the UEFA Europa League in 2009-10, will benefit himself personally and professionally.

"I had to make a decision for myself and my family, and I think this is a good move for me, a good move for me to go get a foot into the door in Europe," said Movsisyan. "I think Denmark is a great option, and it was one of the places that I wanted to go. Randers is a team that I heard a lot of good things about, and I talked to the coach and everything worked out really well."

Asked about what enticed him to Randers FC, Movsisyan spoke of being able to play on the stage of European soccer.

"First of all, it's in Europe," said Movsisyan, who was assured by Randers' coach that he would receive playing time when he gets over there. "You've got a lot more eyes watching you, and for myself, it's a better opportunity to get where I want to be in my career and to be able to say, 'I can play in Europe. I'm a player and I can play in Europe.'

"Everyone wants to play in Europe. You can't hide that, and it's an opportunity for me to step in there and hopefully prove to myself that I can be a good player in Europe."

Right now, the big question is: Will Movsisyan stay with RSL through the end of the season, or will MLS sell him to Randers within the next few weeks?

Movsisyan's contract with RSL lasts until the end of the year.

"We know one thing for sure — he won't be with us January 1st of next year. That's the only thing we know right now. There's some negotiating going on between MLS and his future club," said RSL coach Jason Kreis, who said he believed that MLS had made a counteroffer with Randers FC for Movsisyan's services.

"From Real Salt Lake's point of view, we won't let him go (now) unless it makes sense for us," Kreis said. "It has to be beneficial to us and to him."