Masoud is officially our Captain

[Roxanaz80]

So he's very good but he doesn't deliver......? I thought he was an asset for Osasuna....
Maybe he has the leadership skills that enable him to unite a team, create opportunities for his players on the football field...

[inarsenewetrust]

So he's very good but he doesn't deliver......? I thought he was an asset for Osasuna....
Maybe he has the leadership skills that enable him to unite a team, create opportunities for his players on the football field...

he was very good for osasuna. That was 10 years ago. Multiple horrible knee injuries meant that he never fulfilled his full potential in spain. When he was doing great for osasuna he had an offer from villareal, who at that time were always in champions league and actually contenders in the competition. After the injuries and then the gradual realities of getting older, masoud lost his speed and adopted a much slower style of play, but still trying to be very technical and skillful like before, and it just never worked well, especially in high pressure and intensity matches (like for TM).

[Mr Pouya]

he was very good for osasuna. That was 10 years ago. Multiple horrible knee injuries meant that he never fulfilled his full potential in spain. When he was doing great for osasuna he had an offer from villareal, who at that time were always in champions league and actually contenders in the competition. After the injuries and then the gradual realities of getting older, masoud lost his speed and adopted a much slower style of play, but still trying to be very technical and skillful like before, and it just never worked well, especially in high pressure and intensity matches (like for TM).

He's also been extremely lucky or you can say clever with his transfers. I still can't believe he played in Europe and won the league last season. The guy has been shot for at least 5 years.

[Roxanaz80]

he was very good for osasuna. That was 10 years ago. Multiple horrible knee injuries meant that he never fulfilled his full potential in spain. When he was doing great for osasuna he had an offer from villareal, who at that time were always in champions league and actually contenders in the competition. After the injuries and then the gradual realities of getting older, masoud lost his speed and adopted a much slower style of play, but still trying to be very technical and skillful like before, and it just never worked well, especially in high pressure and intensity matches (like for TM).

That's so sad... I remember I read an interview where he said the surgeries had been a blow to his morale. These brave players have to risk so much....they deserve every penny they make!

[Babak agha]

Shojaei never had speed, he is even slower now tho which makes sense as he's getting older.

[MR.ESTESNAII]

He should be excluded from the Asian cup

[rdwrrr]

He should start taking some coaching classes and try to get his FIFA licence.
We really need all those who have played in European football for a few years to contribute to the youngsters.
It would be nice if he would follow Kia and start coaching kids.

[Dreamer]

This criticism is ridiculous.
"Lucky" in his transfers?! Dude has been performing at a variety of teams in a multitude of countries yet some of you just love to bring players down for no reason.

Jeez.

[Shayan_91]

Agreed, one can discuss about his performance on the pitch for hours. On some days he's the MVP, on some days he's really poor. Agreed.

But, I think his personality and maturity and thus the influence he has on younger players are of very high value. I remember Sardar and Ramin's interview during the WC, both mentioning that Masoud is such a great leader and even brings the players to tears. I don't think it's a good idea to get rid of all 30+ players who are not in their prime anymore. Leaders like Masoud are definitely needed for such a young team - even if he doesn't play. The fact that he trains with them, motivates them before the games etc. is an important reason enough for him to stay with TM at least for the AC! I hope that in four years players like Ehsan, Karim or Alireza have matured even more to function as a great captains.

[Kiarash]

This criticism is ridiculous.
"Lucky" in his transfers?! Dude has been performing at a variety of teams in a multitude of countries yet some of you just love to bring players down for no reason.
Jeez.

He's done well for Osasuna, Las Palmas and Panionios, 3 clubs in total which of one is the Segunda Division. But he also spent a time in UAE and Qatar, wasting some precious years of his career. Having said that, he nearly hasn't performed well for TM in comparison to league games, and this World Cup I found him objectively the weakest player of the entire team. Thank you Masoud for everything you have done on and off the field (especially speaking out for women's rights), but it's time to make place for younger and more deserving players like Shekari.

[Mr Pouya]

This criticism is ridiculous.
"Lucky" in his transfers?! Dude has been performing at a variety of teams in a multitude of countries yet some of you just love to bring players down for no reason.

Jeez.

The fact that he's secured a transfer to the best greek team last season and won the league with them plus now securing a THREE year lucrative contract with Tractor while he's been beyond crap in the last 3-4 years is the definition of lucky. He's not even good enough for IPL. I can't even remember the last good game he had for Iran.

[arminmo]

He should be excluded from the Asian cup

yes yes yes! maybe even asian cup in 2015 to be fair. too many giveaways, and we need to throw some of our younger guys in the mix. aberoomoon raft digeh. not to mention that horrible PK against Uzbek in the qualifier. He has been a great player, but it's time to move on.

On the other hand, he has been a great spokesperson for our different issues, I would love him to be on the final roster, but to start all games, I dont see it helping our future and chances of winning the Asian Cup.

[Roxanaz80]

I saw an interview(opening of his store in the Palladium mall) where he said that he wouldn't have played in Qatar if he was a rich man. Maybe he needed money before he could take some more risks in Europe.I think we don't realize that they can't just please unrealistic and somewhat ungrateful fans only to end up with nothing when they retire. Being from the I.R is an ongoing hurdle in itself...
He is no longer in his prime football wise (OK, I get it..it happens to the best of players) but he has great leadership skills from what I understand...maybe that's why he's a favourite with CQ, coaches in general and his teammates...just my 2cts...
Handsome wise...he is very much in his prime...like good wine...