The Boys welcome back old warrior Karim Bagheri

The return of Karim Bagheri to the national team has stirred a lot of excitement in some circles and some skepticism in others. But the general reaction from the players themselves has been very positive.

Saba Battery and Team Melli striker Gholamreza Rezaei called Bagheri’s return an “explosive confidence boost!” He told reporters, “Karim is one of Asia’s best footballers and his return will double up the team’s confidence!”

Osasuna and Team Melli midfielder, who wears Bagheri’s old number 6 jersey, dismissed the rumors that there was a dispute over who gets to have the jersey. “The reason I picked number 6 was because I always admired Karim.” He went on, “When I was an U16 I always tried to copy him on the field. He was my role model on the field. He’ll be a great help to the team.”

Team Melli captain Mehdi Mahdavikia welcomed Bagheri’s return and offered him his captain’s armband. “Karim has many years of international experience. It will be an honor for me to return the armband to him”.

Osasuna midfielder Masoud Shojaei welcomed Bagheri’s return and said that he was excited to have a chance to play next to him. He too recalled himself watching Bagheri on TV and admiring his skills and understanding of the game.

Now it is up to Bagheri to live up to the expectations. The 35 year old Perspolis midfielder and Captain has been a force with his club. Team Melli fans can only hope that he will transfer that to the national side when they meet UAE on November 19.