Tasnim - Iran national football team forward Mehdi Taremi says he has built a close relationship with Sardar Azmoun.
The Persepolis striker has spoken of the immense pride he feels to be part of Iran side that qualified for the FIFA World Cup Russia 2018 as Group A winner with two games to spare.
Unbeaten Iran will face second-placed Korea Republic at Seoul World Cup Stadium on Thursday.
In June, Taremi’s goal with two minutes remaining against Uzbekistan calmed any end-of-game nerves as Team Melli moved seven points clear of Korea Republic.
“It was a historic achievement that I was part of and I feel very proud and honored about that,” Taremi told the-afc.
“Since the first day I was called up to the national team, I built a close relationship with Sardar. I have a good relationship with all my teammates but because Sardar was a closer age to me we became good friends,” he added.
“I also work with him better on the pitch. I’ve always admired his personality and I like how he plays football. This is obviously something that is personal and personal things always come second,” insisted Taremi.
“We achieved qualification for the World Cup together and it feels great to be going to the biggest sporting tournament in the world. Of course if I score, and I’m going to try to, it will be great for me. But it doesn’t matter if it’s me or my teammates who scores, as long as we win,” he concluded.