DPA - Ali Daie, captain
of Iran's national football team, received on Tuesday the
Iranian badge of merit in recognition of his outstanding
achievements for the Middle Eastern country.
The award was presented to Daei by President Mohammad
Khatami during a special ceremony where a further 31
Iranian scholars and scientists were honoured with the
same award.
The former Bayern Munich, Arminia Bielefeld and Hertha
Berlin striker made his debut for the national team in
1993 against Pakistan and has scored 98 times in 134
appearances for Iran.
Daei, who now plies his trade with Iranian club
Perspolis, was praised not only for his exceptional
sports career but also for his social engagement for
children and young adults as ambassador of the United
Nations Children Fund.
The 35-year-old is currently recovering from a knee
operation and didn't play in last Saturday's friendly
against Germany.
