Nekounam to stay with relegated-threatened Osasuna

Javad Nekounam, the despaired midfielder might not have been part of Osasuna’s season-long campaign, but he has opted to remain with the Pamplona outfit even if they get relegated to Spanish Second Division.

The 27 year old Nekounam pointed to the departure of 12 squad players last summer, and the heavy responsibility given to several young and inexperienced players this term as the main reasons for Osasuna’s disappointing season. However, Javad Nekounam is confident that Osasuna will beat the relegation and will remain in La Liga and showcase a strong come-back next season.

Nekounam also shared his plans for a stronger than ever performance for Osasuna next season, making up for his season-long injury-lay off in 2007-2008 campaign.

Regarding his future at the relegation threatened Osasuna, Nekounam revealed that he has been approach by one of La Liga clubs with a lucrative offer for next season. However, he vowed to remain loyal to Pamplona outfit, a payback for the faith they’ve shown in the Iranian by extending his contract while being injured. Javad Nekounam strongly declared his commitment to Osasuna by remaining at the club even if they get relegated to Spanish Second Division next season and declared it as “I’m fully committed to Osasuna and cannot hide my passion for this club.”

With respect to Iran National team’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers, Nekounam added that he expects a tough task ahead for Iranian team and added that any slip ups would jeopardize National team’s chances of qualifying to World Cup 2010.

Iranian midfielder who was a regular starter for Iran prior to his injury, added that he has not received any indications by Iran coach, Ali Daei, as to whether or not he will be included in the provisional list of players to be called up by the Iranian Football Federation on May 14 for the four World Cup qualifiers in June.

Nekounam insisted that he is back to full fitness and added that he has been taking part in full training for around two months now. He concluded by adding that Ali Daei is fully aware that a player who has been back in full training for two months in a top European League is fit enough to play.