PLDC - Tehran, Javad Nekounam is extremely disappointed with Esteghlal F.C's management.
After Esteghlal advanced to the next round of the 2013 AFC Champions League by drawing against Al Shabab Al Arabi (UAE) in Azadi stadium, Nekounam announced, "I do not want to say much. This past season was good for me and I reached my childhood dream of playing for Esteghlal. Even though it was a good season for me, this season wasn't good for Esteghlal. A lot of financial pressure was felt by the players. With all these pressures we became league champions and managed to reach the next round (quarter finals) of the AFC Champions League."
He continued, "Esteghlal's problems started from the fifth week of the season. From that week forth, no one answered our phone calls. I don't have any options left. Soon, I will file a complaint against Esteghlal. I did a great thing by coming to Esteghlal. I was the Captain of Osasuna, but because of my childhood love, I turned down 2.5 million Euros and came to Esteghlal. I worked hard for this club but many people in this organization were against me and didn't have my back."