TEHRANTIMES - Javad Nekounam joined Esteghlal football team on Saturday on a one-year contract.

The 31-year-old Iran captain was Osasuna's highest paid player and according to the Spanish media the team has received nothing from his buy-out clause (2.5 million Euros).

Qatari football club Al Gharafa had been interested in signing Nekounam but it appears they want to hire Australian midfielder Mark Bresciano instead.

Nekounam joined Osasuna in 2006 and played 149 matches for them, scoring 24 goals.

Esteghlal officials have already said they will sign a contract with their former striker Farhad Majidi by Sunday.