TEHRANTIMES - Esteghlal’s newly-signed Javad Nekounam said that he has been tired of being away from his motherland.

Osasuna midfielder, who lived in Spain for years, joined Esteghlal on Saturday on a one-year contract.

“I was going to become Osasuna youth coach after my playing career in the team. I was a member of Osasuna for five years and I became homesick,” Nekounam said in the news conference held at the Esteghlal club on Sunday.

“I am here because Esteghlal is my childhood team. I’ve come here to help Esteghlal and don’t care about captaincy in the team. We can win the AFC Champions League if we work hard,” the 32-year player said.

“I had offers from Spain and Arab teams but preferred to come to Iran and play for Esteghlal. I’ve already worked under Amir Ghalenoei (Esteghlal coach) and I am happy because of working with him once again,” Nekounam added.