Kari Arnason

Kari Arnason (born 13 October 1982) is an Icelandic professional footballer who plays for Icelandic club Vikingur and the Iceland national team. He has previously played for Djurgarden, AGF Aarhus, Esbjerg fB, Plymouth Argyle, Aberdeen (two spells), Rotherham United, Malmo FF, Omonia and Genclerbirligi. Capable of playing in midfield or defence, Kari has represented Iceland at senior level since 2005, making 89 appearances and scoring 6 goals in the process. He represented Iceland at UEFA Euro 2016 and at the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

Club Career

Early years

Born in Gothenburg, Kari began his career as a youngster in 1999 with Vikingur at his home town of Reykjavik, where he spent the first five years in his career. Arnason also played for the Gonzaga University Bulldogs in Spokane, Washington from 2002 to 2003. He brought a different style of football to Spokane, the likes of which Bulldog legends Steve Owens and Trevor Conrad had never seen. During a candid interview with Gonzaga Bulletin reporter Ryan McAteer he did admit "Americans though, are in much better shape and can run forever." He also played one season for Adelphi University in 2004. After putting together a string of impressive performances in midfield with Vikingur at an early age in the 2004 season, Kari was signed by Swedish Allsvenskan club Djurgardens IF in 2004, where he won the Swedish league and cup double in 2005. He was signed by Danish club AGF Aarhus in 2007 and spent two years with the club, along with a spell on loan at fellow Superliga club Esbjerg fB.

Plymouth Argyle

Kari had a trial at English Football League Championship side Plymouth Argyle in the summer of 2009, and after impressing in a couple of friendly matches he signed a one-year contract with the club. He made his debut in August 2009 against Derby County and established himself as a first-team regular at the heart of the club's defence. He scored his first goal for the club against Reading on 28 December 2009

This page also has a version in other languages :  Кари Арнасон (russian)