Azizi willing to return to National Team

PLDC - There has been much talk about Khodadad Azizi, Pas striker and ex-national team hero, returning to the National Team once again. He is best remembered for scoring the wining goal for the National Team in the return match against Australia in World Cup 2000 after which he retired from the team. Despite his age he is still an effective scorer of goals.

In a recent press interview he said, “I am tired of everyone asking me why I don’t return to the National team. It seems as if all other problems of our football have been solved and only this is left. I was never crossed off the National Team list, I myself refused to play because I felt that they did not need me any more and I could be replaced by younger players.”

“I am 31 years old and even if I can play for another two years for the National Team, will it change anything? Why should I take the places of younger players like, Mobali and Kaabi? We should invest in the future of the National Team and forget about old players like me. Even the Arab teams are rejuvenating their teams and training young players.”

“If I say that I don’t approve of the National Team foreign coaches, people will say I am creating side issues. If I say I am too old to play, people will say I am dodging the issues. The truth is that the likes of me should forget the National Team and leave it to the younger generation. Leave me alone I say and think about the future.”

“I am under much pressure. Everyone asks will I return if Ivancovic invites me again. I am really tired of it. If he does, I’ll go and that’s that. But it is a place for the youth and the National Team must make the people happy.”