Former Esteghlal captain hangs up his boots

TEHRAN TIMES – TEHRAN, Former Esteghlal’s striker Farhad Majidi announced his retirement on Friday at the age 36 after Esteghlal refused to offer him a contract extension.

Majidi left Esteghlal due to personal problems and joined the Qatari side Al Gharrafe on loan.

“This is the hardest decision I’ve ever made. Fifteen years ago when I wore the blue jersey of Esteghlal for the first time I never imagined that on day I would have this huge fans support,” Majidi said in a statement.

Majidi scored 44 goals in 131 matches for Esteghlal. For the most part of his career, he was in the United Arab Emirates where he played for Al-Wasl, Al-Ain, Al-Ahli and Al-Nasr.

In 1999, Majidi’s great performance at Esteghlal attracted Rapid Vienna to recruit him for one season. However, the salary he was asking for a permanent transfer to Austria was not accepted by the Austrians, and they released him.

His goal against Chinese side Dalian in AFC Champions League semifinal helped Al-Ain to reach the final match, eventually winning the trophy for the first time in the club’s history.

At international level Majidi played 45 games for Iran and scored 10 goals.