TEHRANTIMES - Former Portugal midfielder praised his former coach Carlos Queiroz and said he would take the Iran football team to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil.

Luis Figo made the remarks in an interview with Iran’s Jahan Sanat newspaper that was published on Monday. The interview was conducted in Inter Milan club, Italy.

“I have so many good memories from my playing career in Inter (Milan). Now, I am working as the youth development in Inter. The Italian club has so many football academies around the world including Iran,” Figo said.

“I knew Iran’s football since the 2006 World Cup, where we beat the Asian team 2-0. I have to tell you it was a difficult match, however, we were criticized due to result because the experts believed that we should have won the match with more than two goals,” the 40-year-old said.

“I have already worked under Carlos Queiroz in Portugal youth team, where we won the title of the 1991 Football World Youth Championship. Queiroz is a big coach and discovered the Golden Generation including Rui Costa, Fernando Couto, Joao Pinto, Jorge Costa and Vítor Baia,” former Barcelona and Real Madrid player said.

“I wish Queiroz and Iran football team all the best. In my opinion, Iran will qualify for the World Cup under guidance of this coach,” the Portuguese said.