Personal information | |||
---|---|---|---|
Date of birth | 7 February 1984 | ||
Place of birth | Bolton, England | ||
Position(s) | Winger | ||
Youth career | |||
2000–2004 | Esteghlal | ||
Senior career* | |||
Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) |
2004–2005 | Esteghlal | ||
2004 | → Torino (loan) | 0 | (0) |
2004–2005 | → Real Zaragoza (loan) | 0 | (0) |
2005–2007 | Sheffield United | 0 | (0) |
International career | |||
Iran U20 | |||
*Club domestic league appearances and goals |
Sharu Naraji (born 7 February 1984) is an Iranian former professional footballer who played as a winger.
Naraji was born in Bolton, England, and grew up in Iran. He is the older brother of fellow player Shana Haji.[1][2]
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]
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]