Tehrantimes - Iran national football team head coach Carlos Queiroz has officially invited former captain Javad Nekounam to join him at Team Melli as his assistant.

“We have asked Javad with the most respect and honor to join us at the Iran national team technical staff. He is a complete professional and a role model. I believe Javad has a bright future in coaching and he can be a big manager. I think he will be important for Team Melli and he can improve his knowledge in a new atmosphere,” Portuguese coach Carlos Queiroz said.

Nekounam spent most of his professional career with Osasuna, appearing in 197 official games and scoring 31 goals during his two spells and also being team captain.

He has represented the Iranian national team 151 times, playing several major tournaments including two World Cups and four Asian Cups.