TEHRANTIMES - Former Iran national football team captain Javad Nekounam stated that he will not return to Team Melli as a player again.

“There is an end for any start and I knew it when I played my first international game with Iran jersey. The retirement from international games was one of my best decisions and I don’t regret it at all,” Nekounam told reporters.

In recent days there were some speculations about a return for Nekounam to Team Melli but he ruled out a comeback to Iran national team.

“That was just rumors in newspapers and I will not play for Team Melli as a player anymore however I am ready to help my country’s national team if they ask me to do that. I talked with Carlos Queiroz about accepting a role in the technical staff but we came to an agreement that it’s not a good time for that too,” former Osasuna captain added.

Nekounam who watched Iran’s performance against Japan in a friendly game on Tuesday believes the 1-1 draw was a fair result for both teams.

“We played good football against Japan and I think the result was fair. In the first half the game was balanced but we scored in the last minutes. In the second half Japan was very dangerous on counter attacks and finally they took advantage from our mistake and leveled the score,” he added.