Veteran Iranian striker Ali Daei, the world's all-time leading international goal-scorer, said in Nuremberg that he hopes to continue representing Iran beyond the 2006 World Cup, leaving the final decision to the coaching staff.
Daei holds 109 international goals in 147 appearances. He passed the 100-goal mark in November 2004, surpassing the previous records of Hungary's Ferenc Puskas (84 goals) and Brazil's Pelé (77). Despite some Iranian media and commentators calling for him to retire, the 37-year-old pointed to nine qualifying goals as evidence he remains effective. "I might look old outside the field, but I feel really young inside it," he said.
The captain made his national team debut against Pakistan in 1993 and has featured in multiple Asian Cup campaigns and two World Cups, including Iran's celebrated 2-1 victory over the United States at France 1998. He also helped Iran win the 2002 Asian Games title.
His club career included spells at Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin. He currently plays for Iranian side Saba Battery, where he scored five goals in the opening stage of the 2006 Asian Champions League.
Historical summary. TurkishPress restated this wire report, first published in June 2006, in its own words.