TEHRANTIMES - Former Persepolis and Iran midfielder Ali Karimi has decided to come out of retirement.  

In early May, Karimi, 35, called time on his career when Persepolis lost to Sepahan in penalty shootout in Iran’s Hazfi Cup.

“It’s a hard decision to make. I need more time to think about that, but now, we should concentrate on national team,” Karimi told Fars News Agency.

“Iran has a must-win game against Qatar on June 4 and I will support our team as a fan. Hopefully Iran books a place in the competitions and make the Iranian people happy,” he added.

Karimi made 127 appearances and accumulated 38 goals across 14 years for Iran. He is the country's third top international goal-scorer, behind Ali Daei and Karim Bagheri.