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New Esteghlal signing Nekounam: We can win the AFC Champions League
Jul 23, 2012 6:14:00 AM
The Iran international revealed to reporters that he had grown homesick in Spain and has fulfilled a childhood dream by joining the Tehran giants
| Bet: | Returns: | Esteghlal £15.71 | Draw £42.00 | Al Shabab £52.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Esteghlal £15.30 | Draw £42.00 | Al Shabab £50.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Esteghlal £15.71 | Draw £37.50 | Al Shabab £45.00 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Esteghlal £16.00 | Draw £40.00 | Al Shabab £52.50 |
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| Bet: | Returns: | Esteghlal £15.00 | Draw £36.00 | Al Shabab £55.00 |
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The 31-year-old Iran international midfielder confirmed his move from Osasuna to Esteghlal over the weekend and spoke to reporters in Tehran on Sunday.
Nekounam, who has joined on a one-year deal, revealed he had grown homesick after six years in Spain and said it was his childhood dream to play for the Blues.
“I was going to become Osasuna youth coach after my playing career in the team. I was a member of Osasuna for five years and I became homesick,” Nekounam said.
“I am here because Esteghlal is my childhood team. I’ve come here to help Esteghlal and don’t care about captaincy in the team. We can win the AFC Champions League if we work hard."
Nekounam also revealed he had other options but was delighted to join the Tehran giants who finished third in the league last term.
“I had offers from Spain and Arab teams but preferred to come to Iran and play for Esteghlal," he said.
"I’ve already worked under (coach) Amir Ghalenoei and I am happy because of working with him once again."
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