Iranian player who beat Pele and Puskas hangs up his boots

AFP - Iranian footballer Ali Daei, the talisman of the national side over the past decade and holder of the world record for international goals, has finally decided to retire from the game.

Daei, who had already stopped playing international games after being dropped from the national squad, announced his decision after his Tehran team Saipa won the Iranian premiere league this week.

"This is was the last game of Ali Daei in football," said Daei after the 2-0 victory against Mas of Kerman, where he rediscovered his striking touch to score one of the goals.

"Be rest assured that Ali Daei will not return to football again. I thank God that I was able to score a goal in my last game and make my team champions," he added.

Daei, 38, scored a record 109 international goals in 148 appearances, outstripping greats like Pele and Ferenc Puskas, although admittedly against less demanding opponents.

Like many Iranian stars, he enjoyed an impressive career in the German Bundesliga, playing for top-flight sides Arminia Bielefeld, Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin.

Daei played a part in Iran's greatest match -- the 2-1 win over the United States at the World Cup in France 1998 -- and was once named Asian footballer of the year.

However his performance at the 2006 World Cup in Germany, where an uninspired Iran team were unceremoniously bundled out at the first round, was roundly criticised.

He subsequently played no further part in the national team and started to move into coaching, becoming trainer of Saipa as well as playing a key role on the field in its league success.