Nekounam All Ready for Iran-UAE Qualifier

With many people doubting that Javad Nekounam would even kick a ball in anger this season, the 27-year old midfielder marked his season debut for 20 minutes against Valencia last Sunday (April 27). With no reaction to his injury, Nekounam spoke to reporters ahead of this weekend's clash against Real Madrid.

Javad Nekounam expressed his satisfaction about coming on as a substitute after 70 minutes in Osasuna’s last match against Valencia, after 243 days of injury lay-off, and claimed he could have made his come back in earlier matches, but based on Ziganda’s decision, he had to wait until the Valencia encounter.

Reviewing Osasuna’s heavy defeat against Valencia, Nekounam pointed at match official’s wrong call in sending off Osasuna’s goalkeeper, Ricardo, in min 17 that could only make things worse for 10-men Osasuna to survive against King’s Cup winners.

Javad Nekounam went on to add that numerous questionable refereeing calls have been made against Osasuna this season, and although some of these referees were later suspended by La Liga Disciplinary committee, their wrong decisions have punished Osasuna heavily.

Regarding Osasuna’s upcoming match against title contenders, Real Madrid, Javad Nekounam put doubts on the prospect of starting the game as he is not physically ready to play 90 minute yet, as told by Osasuna coach. However, Nekounam insisted that he has great desire to play against Real Madrid and its star players, and he expects to play some part in the game. He also hoped to star for Osasuna if given the chance to play some part in the game.

Concerning Osasuna standing in La Liga, Nekounam described Osasuna’s alarming situation in La Liga standing to be due to fear of relegation, and insisted on Osasuna’s aim is to get maximum points from the remaining fixtures to ease the relegation fears.

Speaking in regards to the Javier Clemente saga with Iran, Nekounam said: “Clemente told Spanish media that despite Iranian officials’ request, I could not live in Iran.” However, Iranian midfielder, shared his personal opinion on Clemente’s decision and called his decision “his biggest mistake of his career” and bet on struggling Real Murcia to get relegated to second division league with Clemente at the end of the season, “and this cannot be positive in Clemente’s career résumé”, insisted Nekounam.

Regarding Iran’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Javad Nekounam vowed to play against UAE if called up to National team squad. With  reference to Iran’s encounter against UAE, Javad Nekounam asserted on joining national team training camp immediately after the end of the season, for an ever strong performance against UAE in both legs. Enthusiastic Nekounam shared his high motivation for this clash and while reviewing Iran’s previous wins in all competitions against UAE, he urged his fellow Iranian players to produce a strong display in remaining group matches to qualify as group leaders to the next round of qualifying games.