In an exclusive interview with the Mehr News Agency, Shojaei elaborated on his position in both Osasuna and Iran football teams.
Mehr News Agency: It seems that you are playing better
in your second season in La Liga. Are you?
Shojaei: That’s normal. I have to be a better player
after one season in Spanish football. I had some problems in my first
season, but I am happy with my performance now.
Mehr News Agency: You have one year remaining in your
contract. What’s your plan for the future?
Shojaei: I’ve received an offer from another Spanish
team. I have to wait and see what happens. I will leave Osasuna if I get
a good offer.
Mehr News Agency: In your opinion, how did Osasuna
play in the current season?
Shojaei: We are among the teams threatened by
relegation. I hope we get good results in the upcoming matches.
Mehr News Agency: Iran was drawn along with North
Korea, the UAE and defending champion Iraq in the 2011 Asian Cup. What
is your assessment of the group?
Shojaei: We have been drawn in a group which is
neither difficult nor easy. Iran needs to plan for getting good results
in the Asian Cup. I don’t know our rivals that well, however, I believe
that the UAE always loses against us. I last saw Iraq playing in the
previous Asian Cup, and finally, we played opposite North Korea in the
2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers.
Mehr News Agency: Some experts believe Iran will play
against Australia or South Korea in the next stage and will likely lose
to one of them. What do you think about that?
Shojaei: We shouldn’t think about this now. Iran will eventually play one of them in the tournament. It may be in the final match. A team who wants to win the championship should not be afraid of any team.
Shojaei: We shouldn’t think about this now. Iran will eventually play one of them in the tournament. It may be in the final match. A team who wants to win the championship should not be afraid of any team.
Mehr News Agency: Does Iran have any chance of winning
the title?
Shojaei: We could win. Australia, Saudi Arabia or
South Korea might be the winner of the title. Anyhow, we have a
difficult job ahead of us.
Mehr News Agency: Some people believe that you don’t
play in Iran football team as good as you play in Osasuna. Is that
right?
Shojaei: Everybody has the right to protest to
something. I am proud of wearing my country’s jersey. We train in
Osasuna every day, but players in the national teams get together for
the tournaments. It’s natural to have a better performance in one’s club
compared to the national team.
Mehr News Agency: Do you have any issues with (Iran
coach) Afshin Ghotbi?
Shojaei: Me? No, I have no problem with him. I had an
interview with a TV channel not long ago and some people had different
interpretations about what I said. This caused some trouble for me
afterwards, but I’m saying again that there is no problem between me and
Mr.Ghotbi.