Amir Haj Rezaei has urged Team Melli coach Carlos Queiroz to abstain from engaging in antipathy and antagonism and instead use rationality and wisdom as an essential part of his player’s selection.

Speaking in a TV show , Haj Rezaei said “When Mehdi Rahmati issued that statement in which he quit Team Melli in protest and anger, Carlos Queiroz made a decision not to select him for the Team Melli because of several issues. The most important of which was the fact that a player is not just playing for himself but he is representing his country in the team.

I firmly stood by Carlos Queiroz decision and supported his standpoint. It was the right and proper act by the Portuguese coach. However, Rahmati realized his mistake, issued an apology and declared that he will play for team Melli anytime he is required and recalled.

Carlos Queiroz who seems to accept this apology albeit, reluctantly, promised that he will consider Mehdi Rahmati after the World Cup. Rahmati , who is in my opinion the best and most experienced goalkeeper in  Iran has and by a distance, missed the FIFA World Cup because  Queiroz did not pick him.

The Asian Cup was the best opportunity for Queiroz to show how genuine of a character he is. When Queiroz left out Rahmati from the squad again, a lot of doubt grew in my mind on how genuine Queiroz is.  I could not help questioning his motive.

Leaving Rahmati , who is as we speak still more experience and higher in class of all the three keepers in Team Melli Asian Cup squad, was a bad move by Queiroz.

I believe that the absence of Rahmati , robbed us from a very possible chance of reaching the finals. We had a very solid defense, a good team but we were severely lacking in experience in the goal.

I Urge Carlos Queiroz to forget his  vengeance, grudge and retribution and start building his team based on professionalism, grace , and rationality.” Amir Haj Rezaei said in a TV show today.

Haj Rezei’s wisdom , impartiality , knowledge and technical analysis is one of a kind in Iran. Added to his character with a trademark tranquil manner, his prudence and humble style in which he hardly ever becomes offensive to anyone, has created a cult figure and followers in Iran and abroad

Amir Haj Rezaei remains the most respected analyst and thinkers of Iran’s football.