Sardar Azmoun pulled on Iran’s shirt again on Thursday, returning to the national side after months away from the squad following an off-field controversy.
The move
The 31-year-old forward came on at half-time for Dennis Eckert in Iran’s 3-1 friendly defeat against Uzbekistan. It was Azmoun’s first appearance for Team Melli since he was left out of the World Cup squad.
Iran coach Amir Ghalenoei brought the striker back into the group this week as preparations build towards next year’s Asian Cup. Azmoun is now with Emirati club Shabab Al Ahli and remains one of the leading figures in Iran’s attacking history, sitting third on the country’s all-time scoring list with 57 goals in 92 caps.
A return after controversy
Azmoun had faced fierce criticism in Iranian media after posting an Instagram photograph with the Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates. The UAE leader is an ally of the United States and has supported Washington during its war with Iran, and the reaction contributed to Azmoun’s World Cup omission.
The striker marked his recall with an emotional Instagram message, saying the national-team shirt had been deeply missed.
“I came, I left, I was pushed aside, I came back,” Azmoun wrote. “I do not hold anything against anyone and I have nothing to prove. I am simply happy to have this opportunity again — the opportunity to fight with all my strength for the country I love.”
Iran’s World Cup backdrop
Iran exited the World Cup in the group stage after three draws: 2-2 against New Zealand, 0-0 against Belgium and 1-1 against Belgium. The tournament unfolded against the backdrop of the continuing war involving Iran, the United States and Israel.
For Azmoun, the Uzbekistan appearance was a first step back rather than a finished story. With the Asian Cup approaching, Iran have restored one of their most experienced scorers to the picture.
