Shojaei: I’ll stay in Osasuna [VIDEO]

MNA – TEHRAN, Masoud Shojaei has been a vital player for Iran football team in recent years. Iran could have advanced to the 2010 World Cup with Masoud Shojaei’s goal against South Korea if Manchester United’s Park Ji-Sung had not cancelled out his goal with just eight minutes remaining to the match.

The Osasuna midfielder speaks about everything from the Spanish team to the 2010 AFC Asian Cup.

Mehr News Agency: Your team has had an up-and-down season. Osasuna defeated Hercules in La Liga but lost to Deportivo La Coruna in Copa Del Rey. Can you explain this?

Shojaei: All teams are powerful in Spain and you are not allowed to make mistakes. In the match against Deportivo we were down to 10 men, however we pulled back a goal.

MNA: Do you think Osasuna can book a berth in next season’s European leagues?

Shojaei: Osasuna has not signed any big names during the summer transfer window. Meanwhile, we have had so many injured players during the season. We have a difficult job to advance to the prestigious competitions.

MNA: What can you tell us about you and your countryman Javad Nekounam in Osasuna?

Shojaei: We have done our best to be in the lineup. Fortunately, Jose Antonio Camacho is pleased with our performance. I could not score in this season as well as I did in the previous season, but I am making effort to satisfy my gaffer.

MNA: Are you going to return to Iran?

Shojaei: No. At the moment I’m just focused on my football career in Osasuna.

MNA: As you know, Iran who is one of the Asian Cup’s favorites, will take part in the event which takes place in January 2011 in Doha, Qatar. Do you expect the Persians to win the title for the fourth time?

Shojaei: Iran has so many worthy players. At the same time, we can prepare more for the 2011 AFC Asian Cup with two months remaining to the event. Of course, winning the title is so difficult in the tournament since the best Asian teams will participate in the competition. We are going to bring an end to Iran’s 37 year title drought in the Asian Cup.

MNA: On a personal note, what’s your idea about Zob Ahan who came second in the AFC Champions League?

Shojaei: Zob Ahan has changed the view of others regarding Iranian football. The team did well under an Iranian coach and it shows how capable we are.

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