If Iran need me, I'll play on - Daei

FIFAworldcup - Iran striker Ali Daei holds the world record for international goals with 109 and he is playing at his second FIFA World Cup™ at Germany 2006. In an exclusive interview with FIFAworldcup.com he spoke about his life and plans for the future.

FIFAworldcup.com: Is there a lot of pressure on you because of your status in Iranian football?
Ali Daei: I think there is too much pressure from some Iranian journalists. They have had problems with me for the last ten years for so many reasons, saying bad things about me in Iranian newspapers, but everything is OK for me. The Iranian people want me to score every time I play, but if the ball doesn’t come to me I can’t get a goal. I need crosses and passes, like all strikers.

You are a very famous man in Iran, so what is it like when you are walking through Tehran with everybody's eyes on you?
This is normal for footballers all over the world, but I feel good, not bad about it. Sometimes it's difficult for me to walk down the street or go to a restaurant but every time I want to be honest with the fans. If they come up to me, I want to be kind to them.

What does it mean to you to hold the record for international goals?
I don’t really think about it because the record belongs to Iranian football, not only me. All the national team players helped me get there, but it’s more important that we get good results and that’s what I’m concerned with. I think it will be very hard for somebody to break the record because it would take a long time.

Which strikers do you admire at this FIFA World Cup?
There are so many and I really like Ronaldo because he is so fast, clever and dangerous in the penalty area. Pauleta and Luca Toni are also great strikers.

You must have great memories of playing at France 98.
Of course. I remember our game against the USA and that was so great for us. Winning 2-1 was a special feeling because all the Iranian people were happy. Every time we play there is pressure, but especially for this match. I believe it's more difficult for us at this World Cup because all the nations are now much stronger now and closer in terms of their standard. There's not so much of a difference between the teams now.

What plans do you have for after Germany 2006? At 37, do you think you will retire from international football?
If Iranian football needs me I will carry on playing for the national team, but I will have to make a final decision after the World Cup. For now I would like to carry on playing, but after that I want to be a coach. If I have the possibility, I would like to take my training licence overseas, but I love Iran and I want to help my country’s football so I am hoping to be a coach there.

Will you end your playing career in Iran?
I think I have probably finished playing in Europe now, but maybe I will go to the United States. I have had some offers from there, but we will see after the World Cup. There are so many Iranian people in the USA.