PLDC- Doha, The following is an exclusive interview with Ferydoon Zandi.

Hello Mr. Zandi. Thank you for your time and welcome.

How is your recovery coming along and when can we expect you back?

Thankfully all has gone according to the plan up until now and I'm glad to work hard to retain the required fitness to step on the pitch again, although at times I must slow down and ease off the work and not get carried away with physiotherapy in order to allow enough rest for my body to heal itself. In terms of exact date of return, it's very hard to guesstimate; the most important thing for me is to get fully fit and see what happens next.

Are you planning to stay in Qatar? Do you want to play in Iran again?

As I mentioned earlier, my goal is to get fully fit first then condition myself to be able to play at a high level, then we will see what future brings.

What's are differences between playing football in Iran, Qatar, and Germany?

Evidently there is a massive gap between Germany and Iran/Qatar- even more so these days. German football has picked up since my time there and has become the best football league in the world in my opinion. Its class is also reflecting on how the national team plays. The main differences are in the speed they play the game, the tactical and technical knowledge, the physicality of the way they play, the team spirit on the field, and of course the facilities and investment behind the projects.

Some had speculated that your severe injury may have ended your career, but you bravely rejected this idea and said that you would continue playing. Can you please expand on that?

Of course at the time it happened I feared the same due to how horrific it looked and felt, however after a very successful surgery and with all the kind support from all over the world in addition to the great work of my doctors, I began to think and feel positive. I won't let an injury stop me from playing the beautiful game regardless of how sever it was. That's my goal.

Carlos Queiroz has invited several dual-nationality Iranians to Team Melli. Do you think that the different playing styles in Team Melli can form a better team?

I personally believe its a good thing to invite them to the national team. It doesn't matter where they grew up as Iran is their native country. But I have a feeling nowadays that anyone playing outside Iran, regardless of the country or the division they play, are getting invitations to the national team which has its own consequences in terms of the quality and the image of the team, and it's negative reflection on the home grown talents. The selection shouldn't be based on whether you play inside or outside the country, but on how good you are and how much hard work you are prepared to put in, day in day out. As for the players, I believe they should find high quality European leagues in order to improve themselves.


You were friends with many players in Iran, and many people have praised your warm personality. Are you still in contact with anyone from Iran?

For sure I still have many friends out there from the time in the national team and Esteghlal also. I don't really like to mention any names in case I accidentally forget someone... I had a great time in Iran and my overall experience has been great.

After your career as a football player, what do you want to peruse? Coaching or something else?

It's something I have been thinking about a lot, specially during the recent years. I love the game too much to completely break ties with it, so I'm definitely staying in the game but haven't decided on what capacity yet. One thing I know is that I will certainly study to get my coaching degree when I finally hang up my boots.

What is your best Team Melli memory?

Playing for the national team has been very memorable but if I have to pick a specific experience I must mention the win against Bahrain in 2005. We didn't play well in that game and pressure was on, until I gave the assist for the goal that sealed our spot in the World Cup. The joy during the dying minutes of the game and more so after the game was unforgettable and the fact that we were in Iran had made it more intensely special for me and many others.

What steps need to be taken in our football, so that Team Melli can start posing a threat to the best teams in the world?

Obviously there are many steps to be made; one bright aspect is that we have huge advantage compare to many countries when it comes to natural talent- sadly we don't have the required infrastructure to let those talents improve and flourish. In the modern game talent is only 30% to 40% of the game! the rest lays with the football academies, proper coaching programs, facilities, and hard work. The coaches in the league must take initiatives to make their players better, instead of only caring about results. Improving players will improve the whole team and that reflects on the national team eventually.


When you're in Iran, what do you like to do for fun?

I like to meet up with close friends in a quiet environment.

In your opinion, who are the best players from Iran's new generation (born in the 1990s)?

There are some players with great skills, but the most important thing is to make the next step and deliver in the bigger stage. I personally think Sardar Azmoun has made a great decision to improve himself. I emphasize once more the importance of hard work and not taking short cuts.

Is there anything else that you would like to say to the Iranian football world?

I like to thank all Iranians for all the kind support inside and outside, particularly these days. As you know, many times I was asked whether I made a wrong decision to play for Iran, but my answer has always been absolutely not! And the warmth of the people then and now has proved me right.
Thank you.


On behalf of Iranian football lovers everywhere, I would like to thank you for this interview and more importantly I would like to wish you a speedy recovery. I know that you will make a strong return and make your presence felt on the field again. As Iranian football enthusiasts, we all enjoy your intelligent playing style and would like to thank you for your contribution to Team Melli and Iranian football. We hope to see you involved in our football after your career as a player in a few years from now.

By: Arman Tamjidi