Masoud Shojaei asks to be included in Team Melli

Tehran Times – ATHENS, Iranian midfielder Masoud Shojaei has asked Carlos Queiroz to invite him to Team Melli once again.

Masoud Shojaei had been left out of Iran squad from August after playing against an Israeli club with Panionios in UEFA Europa League.

Iran does not recognize the state of Israel and bars its athletes from competing against participants from the country.

“I want to return to the national team,” Masoud told El Pais. “The coach loves me a lot, as well as the players and Iran Football Federation too. I am physically and mentally prepared to go to the World Cup.”

Shojaei joined AEK from Panionios during the January transfer window.