Majidi retires from Team Melli

PFDC – TEHRAN, Esteghlal captain Farhad Majidi has announced his retirement from the Iranian national team in a press conference following his club’s 3-2 win over Saipa Karaj in Iran’s Professional League (IPL) in which he scored a goal and assisted another.

The 33-year-old had been named in the preliminary 23-men-squad for the WAFF championship in Amman this month, but informed reporters he would rather make space for younger players.

Despite recent good form, Majidi has repeatedly been ignored by national team coach Afshin Ghotbi who, however, stated the door would still be open for players such as the nimble former Al Wasl striker and finally recalled him for the upcoming tournament on Friday.

Farhad Majidi debuted for Iran in 1996 and scored 10 goals in 43 caps.