"No pressure on Iranian players to retire", says Taj

**Hosseini** · 06-25-2009, 12:18 AM

No pressure on Iranian players to retire, says Taj

MNA

Some media reported Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi have been forced to quit the national team after wearing green bands in support of the country’s opposition movement during the South Korea – Iran match which was held in Seoul last week.

“Both of them (Mahdavikia and Karimi) are our big assets and played with all their heart during the past years. We are satisfied with their performances in the 2010 World Cup qualifiers. They made the decision to retire from the national team to pave way for young players,” Taj said.

IFF is ready to hold a farewell match for them if they want it, he added.

Mehdi Mahdavikia and Ali Karimi hung up their boots on Tuesday after making each 111 caps for the national team.

**Hashemian9** · 06-25-2009, 01:16 AM

I think they deserve a farewell match, Hashemian as well. Think we could get Germany for that game since all three spent significant time playing in their league?

**djmo** · 06-25-2009, 01:18 AM

Taj = LIAR, LIAR, LIAR

Why the hell you posting stuff IR says, they are LIARS!! All these players were told they had to retire.

**Farhad-7** · 06-25-2009, 01:49 AM

what about Kaebi who's 23???

**pasdaran14** · 06-25-2009, 02:47 AM

Someone sound the BS alarm. They really think they can fool everyone? Pathetic.

**KasraKhan** · 06-25-2009, 04:28 AM

What a way to go out though huh?

I bet they would all do it again in a hearbeat. Dameshoon garm. There gesture was better than a win. Them showing unification and support to their countrymen getting murdered back home in the search for freedom means more than any World Cup qualification can ever mean. While at the same time, risking their own asses in the process.

Ali Karimi and Mehdi Mahdavikia will remain in the hearts of Team Melli fans for the rest of their lives. They both have EASILY been among the top 5 players our country has produced over the past decade.