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

Dmitry An
Personal information
Full name Dmitry Ivanovich An
Date of birth (1939-05-02) 2 May 1939 (age 85)
Place of birth Uzbek Soviet Socialist Republic
Date of death 20 May 2018(2018-05-20) (aged 79)
Place of death Uzbekistan
Position(s) forward
Senior career*
Years Team Apps (Gls)
1962–1963 Pakhtakor 2 (0)
1964–1969 Dustlik 183 (32)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals

Life and career

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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]

References

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