Sardar Azmoun recalled to Iran squad for upcoming friendlies

Sardar Azmoun has been recalled to the Iran national team, marking his return to the fold under head coach Amir Ghalenoei. The experienced striker has been included in the squad for the upcoming friendly fixtures against Uzbekistan and Russia, ending his brief international exile.

The move follows a face-to-face meeting between the 31-year-old and the president of the Iranian Football Federation, Mehdi Taj. Azmoun, who boasts 57 goals in 91 international appearances, expressed his deep gratitude for the opportunity to represent his country again, emphasizing his enduring commitment to Team Melli.

To be honest, I don't know how to put my feelings into words. From 2014 until today, I've lived so much in this jersey. I came, I went, I was left out, I came back... but never, not even when I wasn't there, did I ever feel separated from the national team. Sardar Azmoun

The decision to bring back the forward comes after Iran's disappointing World Cup campaign earlier this summer, where the team suffered a group-stage exit following draws against New Zealand, Belgium, and Egypt. The lack of clinical finishing in those matches prompted the coaching staff to reassess their attacking blueprint.

These upcoming tests against Uzbekistan and Russia serve as crucial preparation for the coaching staff to finalize their frontline combinations ahead of the Asian Cup, which kicks off in Saudi Arabia on January 7. Azmoun will be looking to re-establish his role as a key contributor to the national team's success.