TEHRAN – Iran international striker Saman Ghoddos says he is proud to play for his country. Iranian-Swedish Ghoddos decided to wear the jersey of Iran’s national football team despite being invited to play for Sweden in September. He had played in two friendly matches for Sweden and scored a goal. Ghoddos was called up for […]
TEHRAN – Iran international striker Saman Ghoddos says he is proud to play for his country.
Iranian-Swedish Ghoddos decided to wear the jersey of Iran’s national football team despite being invited to play for Sweden in September.
He had played in two friendly matches for Sweden and scored a goal.
Ghoddos was called up for the first time to the Iran’s training camps on 27 August 2017 by coach Queiroz for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches against South Korea and Syria.
After Ghoddos couldn’t make his debut for Iran due to administrative issues with FIFA, he was called into Sweden’s World Cup qualification squad on 27 September for matches against Luxembourg and Netherlands.
He later told a Swedish website about his decision that he is grateful to Andersson, the head coach of Sweden, for giving him the extraordinary option, but he has made his final decision and will play for Iran.
“I am very happy to play for Iran national football team and there is no shame in choosing Iran over Sweden,” he said.
“I also wish Sweden national football team all the best and really hope they will do well at the World Cup,” Ghoddos added.
Ghoddos came off the bench to play the last 30 minutes against Turkey Monday night, where Team Mello lost 2-1.
