GOAL - Former Iranian captain
Mehdi Mahdavikia is choosing to remain quiet after being omitted from the
national team squad for Saturday’s 2010 World Cup qualifier against Saudi
Arabia in Jeddah.
The match between the two powerhouses is the first of Group B but Ali Daei
has decided against calling up the Eintracht Frankfurt star, even telling
media that the former Asian Player of the Year did not fit in with the way
he wants Team melli to play.
"I don't have any comments on Team Melli since the team needs peace and
calmness at the moment. I am currently training with Eintracht Frankfurt and
I don't think about anything else", the 31-year-old told Iran Pro Sport News
Agency.
When asked about the comments of Daei, a former national team-mate,
Mahdavikia again preferred not to talk.
"I have been contacted by many reporters. They quote certain officials or
head coach comments on me. I am not sure what is going on in Iran and
therefore would rather not comment on the national team.
"I also prefer not to speak publicly on this issue as I don't want to create
side issues for the national team."
