RA President Sargsyan hosted the legendary football player and coach Nikita Simonian, under whose skillful leadership the Ararat football team won the Cup and the USSR Championship in 1973. The President of Armenia welcomed Simonian in Yerevan and noted that the entire Armenian nation has been proud of him for decades. The two met on the eve of a crucial Russia-Armenia football match tomorrow. "I am happy to see that you’re well and sound and continue to work for the benefit of football. We take pride in our compatriots in the Diaspora and first of all in those who have reached prominence in their area. You make our nation even more recognizable," the President said. By the Presidential decree, Nikita Simonian has been awarded the Order of Honor for his activities aimed at the strengthening of the Armenian-Russian friendship, as well as for his considerable contribution to the development of the Armenian football, and for the years-long service in the area of football. At today’s meeting, President Sargsyan handed the award to the great athlete, wishing him good health and great success. "I am greatly honored to receive this high award. As you know, I am a hundred percent Armenian. My parents, Armenians from Ardvin, escaped the Genocide. My father was a great patriot. I was greatly honored to lead "Ararat" team in 1973. And it was a pure joy for me as the coach of the team, when the boys won the Cup and became champions. It’s hard to describe how people reacted at that time. It was really a wonderful team. I am grateful to that generation, and of course, to our entire nation for that, and I bow to you," Nikita Simonian said.