Armenia national team head coach Melikyan on Zelarayán: “The doors of the national team are always open”

Armenia national team head coach Yeghishe Melikyan spoke about the situation with midfielder Lucas Zelarayán, who was not called up for the November matches against Hungary and Portugal.

According to Melikyan, before his appointment Zelarayán was planning to retire from the national team. However, the coach managed to convince the player to return for several matches, but Lucas can no longer join the team.

“Before I took over, Lucas was planning to end his international career. I spoke with him and told him that the team really needs him now. But before the match against Ireland, he informed me that he has family issues and will no longer be able to come to the national team. I thanked him and said that the doors of the Armenia national team are always open for him,” Melikyan said.

Zelarayán missed the March and June training camps but returned before the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers, playing four matches under Melikyan.

Frequent and long flights from Argentina are becoming increasingly difficult for the 33-year-old player, which also affects his ability to join the national team.

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