Farhad Majidi returns to Esteghlal

TEHRAN TIMES – TEHRAN, Farhad Majidi came out of retirement and re-signed a contract with Esteghlal football team on Monday night.
 
The 36-year-old striker, who had announced his retirement from football in late September, joined Esteghlal on an 18-month contract.
 
Majidi joined Qatari club Al Gharrafa on loan last season in the winter transfer window and he has been without a team in the current season.
 
There has always been a long-lasting hostility between Majidi and current Esteghlal coach Amir Ghalenoei.
 
Majidi had said that he will never work with Ghalenoei but it seems the two men have buried the hatchet.
 
Esteghlal general manager Ali Fatollahzadeh said Majidi will wear captain’s armband at the team.
 
“Esteghlal captaincy is a big honor for me. My goal is to retire from football with Esteghlal’s colors,” Majidi said.
 
The 36-year-old joined Esteghlal from Bahman in 1997 and has played for Rapid Wien, Al-Wasl, Al-Ahli and Al-Nasr of the UAE as well.
 
Majidi has scored 44 goals in 131 matches for Esteghlal.
 
At international level, he played 45 games for Iran and scored 10 goals.