Sports > Football > ALI DAEI RETIRES AT 38 BY AFSHIN DASTAFSHAN
Iranian Football Legend Scored 109 Goals For Iran
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Ali Daei 38 announced his retirement from playing football on May 28th, Daei would now like to concentrate on his coaching career and is likely to be the head coach of Persian Gulf League champions Saipa FC next season, Daei was the player/coach at Saipa this season and led his side to league championship in his first managerial role. Daei the Asian player of the year 1999 scored a world record 109 goals for his country in 145 Team Melli appearances.
Daei’s talents were spotted by European countries after his formidable performances in the Asian Cup 1996 finals where he was the tournament’s top scorer with 8 goals including 4 goals against South Korea at the quarter final stage. Daei became the first Iranian player to play in Germany’s Bundesliga when he was signed by Arminia Bielefeld in season 97/98. He then moved on to Bayern Munich in season 98/99 in a $5 Million deal, his last stop in German football was with Hertha Berlin 1999-2002, Daei scored 4 goals for Hertha Berlin in the UEFA Champions League, his first goal came against the then Turkish champions Galatasaray, Daei went on to score twice against the English Premiership giants Chelsea FC in the following match before scoring against AC Millan on Italian soil. Daei opened the way for more Iranian players to move to Germany. Amongst Iranian clubs Daei played for were Persepolis FC, Saba Battery and Saipa this season, Daei also took over the head coaching position at Saipa early this season with the departure of Saipa’s German coach Werner Lorant only 4 weeks into his contract; under Daei’s leadership Saipa lifted the league championship title in Iran this week on May 28th.
After the departure of Team Melli captain Ahmadreza Abedzadeh Iran
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e> national side were in desperate need of a leader on the pitch. Abedzadeh will be remembered for his heroics in World Cup 98 finals particularly against the USA and also in world cup 98 play-off match against Australia in late 1997. Abedzadeh’s leadership was a tough act to follow; he boosted players’ morale on the pitch, provided leadership and intimidated the opposition. Ali Daei took over the captain’s armband after Abedzadeh’s departure and did a fantastic job; Daei had influence over the players, he was a leader, his presence in the team was a major boost to his team and a nightmare for Iran’s opponents. It is almost one year since Daei left Team Melli but the national side is yet to find a deadly striker upfront to replace him.
Despite his achievements Daei has faced criticism from fans and media particularly for his below average performance in world cup 2006 finals, many protested that he should have retired before the world cup. Whilst the argument is a valid one Iran’s poor performances in the world cup last year were due to fundamental problems and management incompetence at all levels and could not be blamed on one player. After the world cup Daei carried on playing and scored 10 goals for Saipa in the league this season.
Not many sports personalities in the world have done as much for their country’s sport as Daei has for Iran football, I find it an absolute disgrace that the Iranian Football Federation has failed to arrange a Daei testimonial match between Team Melli and a reputable opponent to thank the player for his services to Iran football and give Daei the farewell he deserved. I hope the fans and media will remember and respect Daei for his services more than the Iranian football federation has.
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