Iran Press/ Europe: Azmoun is considered the most accomplished Iranian footballer in the European leagues.
As well as being the youngest Iranian to score in a UEFA Champions League game, he is also the Iranian record-holder for the most goals scored in the competition with six goals.
The 27-year-old forward with an eye for goals and assists will compete for a place in Leverkusen’s starting attack with Patrik Schick and Lucas Alario.
“[It is] a step from the best club in Russia to one of the best leagues in Europe,” Azmoun told the Bundesliga club's website.
Azmoun went on to say, “Bayer Leverkusen have a really great squad. I’ve been keeping an eye on the club for a long time and am impressed by the team’s style of play. It’s incredibly exciting for me soon to be able to play in the Bundesliga. And I’m convinced I’ll make the team even better with my footballing ability.”
“We’re delighted to have completed this transfer,” said Leverkusen's sporting director Simon Rolfes when the deal was originally confirmed on 22 January.
After a deal was reached with Zenit to sign Azmoun immediately, the 40-year-old added: "We're very happy about the constructive agreement with Zenit and that we can now make use of Sardar's qualities earlier than planned. He'll be an asset for our attack and will significantly improve what is already a very good squad."
Managing director for sport, Rudi Völler added: “He’s very quick, good in the air and has a good sense for space. But he’s not just a goalscorer. Sardar Azmoun also sets up a lot of goals and is an outstanding fit for the Werkself as a player who combines well with others.”
Azmoun has spent his professional career entirely in the Russian top flight with two spells each at Rubin Kazan and Rostov preceding his transfer to Zenit in 2019.
In St. Petersburg, Azmoun has found the net 62 times in 104 appearances across all competitions. He was named Russia’s Footballer of the Year for 2021 and his impressive goal stats have continued into this season, in which he has scored 10 goals in 21 games – including two strikes in the Champions League.
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