TEHRANTIMES - The UAE’s Al Wahda coach Branko Ivankovic says he has good memories from his time in Iran as the team’s coach.

Having led Iran at the 2006 World Cup, Ivankovic said, “I had five splendid years in Iran. The Persians love football and more than 100,000 fans go to stadium to support their team.”
 
“I have good memories of being in Iran. I have so many good Iranian friends as well,” the former Iran coach added. 
 
Branko Ivankovic began his career with Varteks in 1991 and was appointed as Hannover 96 in 1999. He came to Iran in 2001 as the assistant coach to Miroslav Blazevic.
 
The 58-year-old inspired Iran U23 football team to win the 2002 Asian Games in Busan, South Korea. Two years later, Iran finished in third place in the 2004 Asian Cup in Beijing, China under Ivankovic.