Amiran Sanaia (Georgian: ამირან სანაია; born 3 September 1989) is a Georgian former professional footballer who played as a left-back.

Amiran Sanaia
Personal information
Date of birth (1989-09-03) 3 September 1989 (age 35)
Place of birth Sukhumi, Soviet Union
Height 1.81 m (5 ft 11 in)
Position(s) Left-back
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
2005–2008 FC Zestafoni 1 (0)
2008–2010 Le Mans 0 (0)
2011–2012 Bastia 16 (0)
2013–2014 Luzenac 27 (1)
2014–2016 Paris FC 3 (0)
2015 Paris FC II 11 (0)
2016–2017 Les Herbiers 8 (0)
2017–2023 Rodez 92 (0)
2020–2023 Rodez II 3 (0)
International career
2005 Georgia U17 2 (0)
2006–2007 Georgia U19 4 (0)
2008–2010 Georgia U21 6 (0)
2007–2009 Georgia 6 (0)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Club career

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Born in the Soviet Union, Sanaia moved to France to play club football with Le Mans FC in 2007. He has since played for SC Bastia, Luzenac AP, Paris FC, Les Herbiers VF and Rodez.[1]

Sanaia was forced to retire from playing upon the expiration of his contract with Rodez in 2023. He suffered from tissue cancer at his hip, the cancer treatment was successful, but he still was not able to train and play at full strength.[2]

International career

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Sanaia received his first call-up to the Georgia national team in November 2007.[3] He made his Georgia debut on 16 November 2007, a friendly match 2–1 won against Qatar.[4] He played another match on 31 May 2008 versus Portugal and on 12 August 2009 versus Malta.

References

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  1. ^ "Ligue 2. Amiran Sanaia, joueur de Rodez, est atteint d'un cancer" (in French). Ouest-France. 31 October 2021.
  2. ^ "TEMOIGNAGE. Football : "La douleur est trop forte..." Après son cancer, le défenseur de Rodez Amiran Sanaia ne peut plus jouer" [TESTIMONY. Football: “The pain is too strong…” After his cancer, Rodez defender Amiran Sanaia can no longer play] (in French). La Depeche. 27 February 2023. Retrieved 7 December 2023.
  3. ^ "Kaladze back to bolster Georgia". UEFA. 7 November 2007. Archived from the original on 16 June 2008. Retrieved 3 September 2009.
  4. ^ "The National Team of Georgia in 2007". GFF. Retrieved 3 September 2009. [dead link]
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