No bitterness over World Cup omission, Azmoun says after Iran recall

Sardar Azmoun, Iran's top scorer with 57 goals in 91 international appearances, expressed no bitterness over his omission from the World Cup squad. Instead, his recent recall to the national team brought him the same joy he felt during his first call-up. Azmoun, 31, is currently playing for UAE side Shabab Al-Ahli. He was left out of the World Cup squad due to a reported injury, though some sources suggested he had angered government supporters by posting a photo with Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, ruler of Dubai, following the US and Israel's airstrikes on Iran.

On Monday, Iran's football federation announced his inclusion in the squad for friendlies against Uzbekistan and Russia, part of preparations for the 2023 Asian Cup in Saudi Arabia. Azmoun, in a social media post, reflected on his career, stating, "I've lived through so much in this jersey. I came, I went, I was cut, I came back."

Despite his repeated experiences with the national team, Azmoun emphasized his genuine happiness upon learning of his recall, recalling the same emotions he felt during his initial selection. Iran was eliminated in the group stage of the 2022 World Cup after drawing all three matches. The Asian Cup, where Iran will compete in Group C alongside Syria, Kyrgyzstan, and China, kicks off on January 7.