Ali Daei Quotes

Ali Daei is an Iranian former professional footballer and one of the most prolific goal scorers in the history of international football. He scored a record 109 goals in 149 appearances for the Iranian national team. Daei's achievements and skill as a striker have made him a national hero in Iran and an influential figure in Asian football.

I'm happy with the memories of Germany - I lived and played there for five years, and made lots of good friends.

The World Cup could be a jumping point for many pl... -Ali Daei

The World Cup could be a jumping point for many players to change everything.

I used to leave home without my football uniform and my mother would smuggle it out for me so that I could play.

We don't have the unity that other races like Turkish, Russian and Yugoslavs have. If Iranians become more united, not only will we succeed in football but in our personal lives too.

I think football gave Iranians a reason to once ag... -Ali Daei

I think football gave Iranians a reason to once again think about their country.

Football is getting more and more physical every d... -Ali Daei

Football is getting more and more physical every day. There is no way to avoid contact.

For a given match, I can only select 18 players an... -Ali Daei

For a given match, I can only select 18 players and at most 14 would play.

Iran are very strong because we have many good players playing top-class football in Spain, Germany and England.

You have to help a team in times of crisis.... -Ali Daei

You have to help a team in times of crisis.

I have two years left on my contract with Hertha Berlin, but I'd like to play in England and if I'm offered a good contract from an English club then I'd want to go there.

Carlos Queiroz and his colleagues have done so muc... -Ali Daei

Carlos Queiroz and his colleagues have done so much for Team Melli.

Fans expectations are understandably high and we n... -Ali Daei

Fans expectations are understandably high and we need to meet them.

Ali Karimi is a nice guy and deserves to return to... -Ali Daei

Ali Karimi is a nice guy and deserves to return to the national team.

Those heroes and soldiers who sacrifice themselves for the nation always have their coffins covered with the national flag. Us players are like those soldiers - we wear the national flag when we play.

I may look old off the pitch but I feel young on t... -Ali Daei

I may look old off the pitch but I feel young on the field.

If it were up to me I'd rather sign up the best and most deserving players, since we have to make our fans happy.

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players not only of his time, but of all time. He is an absolute phenomenon.

Our soccer has always been weak in team-work. Iranians have been the best in the world individually, but as a team we are one step behind.

I think I would play well in England. With my height I am suited to the long ball and with the kind of crosses they put in, in England I think it would be better for me to play there.

In Germany I am learning everything I need to be a... -Ali Daei

In Germany I am learning everything I need to be a professional.

I think I'd better lose 10 or 15 kilos and play up... -Ali Daei

I think I'd better lose 10 or 15 kilos and play up front to score.

In every family, you would have differences of opi... -Ali Daei

In every family, you would have differences of opinions.

I knew that Karimi would not come to the national team but invited him to show that I have no problem with anybody.

Iran has been strong in individual sports like wrestling, judo and weightlifting, but we have never excelled at team sports.

I have a lot of respect for Ali Karimi and appreciate his football but we cannot get desired results with big names. It won't work.

When I played in Europe, wherever I played, players knew in advance about their schedule, when was the time to practice, to play and to rest.

Each player has to dedicate himself to serve his m... -Ali Daei

Each player has to dedicate himself to serve his motherland.

Sepahan of Isfahan and Steel Azin offered me to take charge of their teams. I didn't want to come back to football at that time.

I was so proud when I wore the international strip for the first time - I couldn't swap that feeling with anything.

We were thrilled to reach France in 1998 but our failure to make the finals in the U.S.A. in 1994 and South Korea and Japan in 2002 has left a bitter taste.

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