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AFP - Iran captain Ali Daei has signalled he
wants to extend his record-breaking career beyond the World Cup -- and vowed
to stay in the team until he gets the axe.
The world's leading international goal-scorer, now at the advanced age of
37, faced down calls for his retirement from some Iranian media.
"I myself am willing to continue my tenure even after the World Cup but it
depends on the technical staff, whether they want me to play with the
national team or not," Daei said.
"It's probably the last World Cup I'm going to participate in but I thank
God for giving me the physical ability to play well and because of that I
hope I can continue playing."
Daei made history in November 2004 when he became the first man to reach 100
international goals -- outstripping such legends as Ferenc Puskas, who
plundered 84 from 89 matches, and Pele's tally of 77 in 91 games for Brazil.
He has since moved on to 109 from 147 matches, albeit with many against
minor opposition.
Despite his iconic status in Asian football, calls have been growing for the
craggy-faced skipper to step aside with some commentators complaining he is
past his best.
But Daei insists he is as fresh as ever, compiling nine goals in qualifying
to prove his point.
"I might look old from outside the field, but I feel really young inside
it," he said.
Daei, his beard and trademark moustache now greying, remains a talisman for
his fellow players in what is regarded as Iran's best ever national team.
After making his debut against Pakistan in 1993, the six-foot-five (1.92m)
Daei has been a vital part of several campaigns for Iran, notably when he
tore apart South Korea in the 1996 Asian Cup quarter-finals with four goals.
He played all three of Iran's games in the 1998 World Cup, including the 2-1
win over the United States hailed as Iranian football's greatest moment.
Under coach Branko Ivankovic, Daei and Iran have lifted the 2002 Asian Games
title and reached the 2004 Asian Cup semis.
But with Ivankovic talking of seeking new employment after the World Cup,
and with the head of Iran's football association stepping down, the end
could be nigh for the robust frontman.
Daei's club career includes stints with Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin
before returning to the Middle East. He now plies his trade with Iran's Saba
Battery, notching five during the opening phase of this year's Asian
Champions League.
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