November 2, 2024
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Tehran Times – TEHRAN, Iranian legendary winger Mehdi Mahdavikia said that he always wanted to quit football at the top.

The 36-year-old player bade farewell in early May after Persepolis lost to Sepahan in penalty shootout.

Mahdavikia made 111 appearances for Iran football team and scored 13 goals.

“I am tempted to return but I think now is the right time to finish my football. I always wanted to quit my career at the top. Obviously it was a difficult decision,” Mahdavikia said in an interview with BBC Persian.

“It was a fantasy to quit football in my boyhood club Persepolis. I wanted to lift the Hazfi Cup, but unfortunately we lost to Sepahan in penalty shootout,” he added.

Mahdavikia was appointed as the first Grassroots Ambassador in Asia by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) in May.

“I want to make contributions to Asian football at the grassroots level. I started my career with Bank Melli football team and I want to start my mission in this club. In my opinion, you will never be successful if you don’t take care about the grassroots level,” former Iran midfielder said.