Rahman Rezaei: I Intend to Return to the National Team

"If the conditions are appropriate, I will play for the national team again. Saying goodbye does not mean a definite seperation. That I have been called up for the national team again makes me happy", said Rezaei on Sunday.

The experienced Iranian defender who said goodbye to the national team at the end of the 2007 Asian Cup, intends to return to the national team.

Rezaei stated: "Playing and serving the national team makes me proud, but I have to speak to the new head coach regarding the issues concerning my leaving the national team and familiarize him with those issues."

He emphasized: "My exit does not mean my total seperation from the national team. Many of the big names of Iranian football have been overlooked before but have returned when the team has needed them."

The national team defender continued: "At the moment, I have no problems with my physical fitness and my retirement from the national team had no particular reason. Under the right conditions, I will take the field for the national team again."

Rezaei added: "Considering that in the past few years I have had no time for myself, if my workload becomes slightly lighter, I can again be at the national team's service."

Pointing out that he did not know about his call up to the national team, Rezaei said: "I cannot definitely say that I will participate in the national team's training camps and this issue will be made clear once I speak to the new head coach. However, I would like to be in the final list of players."

Regarding the condition of the national team, Rezaei stressed: "After being away from international competition for a period of six months, the national team is in a relaxed state. Therefore, the conditions for playing in the team has improved even though the squad is younger."

Concerning Iran's opponents in the World Cup qualifiers, Rezaei said: "Even though I have complete respect for our opponents, if our players play intelligently we can get maximum points in the qualifiers very easily."

He saw the absensce of a national team coach as damaging and he stressed: "Even though we have suffered a few months in not having a national coach, it is important that under the present conditions and in this short time, he gets to know the players and organizes and manages the team."

Finally, Rezaei spoke about his situation at Livorno: "I have a contract with the team until the start of the summer. At the same time and with the help of my agent, I am in discussion with different Italian clubs so that I join another team at the end of my contract."