Goran Pandev

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Goran Pandev (Macedonian: Горан Пандев) (born July 27, 1983 in Strumica, Republic of Macedonia) is a football striker currently playing for Lazio. He is currently the most highly regarded Macedonian soccer player ever along with Darko Pancev.

As a youngster he was snapped up by Italian club Internazionale, who loaned him out to Spezia and Ancona. In 2004, he moved to SS Lazio (part of transfer that includes Stankovic in Inter) to play in the Serie A. He started the 2005 season by scoring the only goal in the first match, giving Lazio a win over Messina.

Pandev has been capped 28 times and scored 10 goals for Republic of Macedonia national football team.

Pandev is only the second Macedonian to play in the Italian Serie A (Darko Pancev was the first, having had a brief career with Internazionale in the early 90's).

The English media has speculated about a transfer to Arsenal, in fact an interview has been published in which Pandev allegedly states that this is his ambition, however he strongly refutes those comments and is even willing to sue several English newspapers. "I've never spoken with this journalist," he said on the 7th October, on the eve of the England - Macedonia Euro 2008 qualifying match. Lazio coach Delio Rossi admits he won't block any move away for the player, stating "If the player does not believe Lazio is the best club for him, then he should seek a change of scenery." On the 1st December, newspapers in the UK have linked him with a move to Rangers F.C.. On January 30th, the Times linked him with a move to Portsmouth F.C. [1]

In the last Roman derby (December 2006) Pandev was the leader in the record victory 3-0 over Roma.

In April 2007, Pandev extended his contract with Lazio which will see Pandev play with the Italian giants until the end of the 2011/2012 season. Pandev is said to be worth €15 million.