News ID: 248

Date: 28 May 2025 - 00:22

#Teammelli

Askari: Being part of National Team Was an Unbelievable Feeling

Young national team player: “Training alongside the top players in the country is an indescribable honor.”

Mohammad Askari, the young winger from Foolad Khuzestan, who has been called up to the Iranian national team for the first time, expressed his delight at the opportunity. He described the experience as an honor and said:

“I thank God for the opportunity to join the national team camp and train alongside some of Iran’s top players. I'm also truly grateful to Coach Ghalenoei and the technical staff for putting their trust in us young players and giving us a chance to prove ourselves.”

Speaking about the emotions surrounding his first national team call-up, Askari said:

“It’s an indescribable feeling. Training beside the giants of Iranian football has not only filled me with pride but also given me a massive boost in motivation. I hope I can make the most of this opportunity and continue to be part of the national team setup.”

On the atmosphere in the camp and the interaction among players, Askari noted:

“The vibe in the camp is fantastic. The experienced players have been incredibly supportive, helping us with advice and sharing their professional insights. For us younger players, these lessons are invaluable as we aim to learn and grow on the path to becoming top professionals.”

When asked about his personal drive, Askari said:

“From the moment I received the call-up, my motivation increased a hundredfold. I believe every player feels the same when they get this opportunity. Everyone wants to prove themselves, and I’m no exception—I’ll give everything to show my potential.”

A natural winger on both the left and right flanks, Askari spoke about the competitive nature of his position:

“There are some top-class players in these roles. The competition is tough, but it’s healthy and inspiring. Whether or not I make the final squad is up to the head coach, but I’m doing everything I can to earn that spot.”

Askari also spoke about his long-time dream of joining the national team:

“For the past two or three years, I’ve watched national team matches with admiration. The players were always role models for me. Now that I’ve been called up, I know this isn’t the end—it’s just the beginning of a challenging journey.”

On the recent inclusion of several young players in the squad, he commented:

“Everything depends on how seriously players take their professional lives. Coach Ghalenoei has given us a chance—now it’s up to us to make it count. It’s not easy for young players, but as the coach said, the future belongs to the youth.”

Regarding the upcoming matches against Qatar and North Korea, Askari added:

“Senior-level international matches are crucial. I’ve had experience at the youth level, but the intensity and quality here are on a whole different level—tactically and individually. That said, our team is well-prepared, and we’re ready for these important games.”

Finally, when asked about his role model in football and life, Askari said:

“For the past four or five years, my role model has been Mehdi Taremi. I admire his technique, character, and determination. Watching him succeed in top-level European football inspires me to believe that I, too, can follow that path.”