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This article originally appeared on www.footballmedia.net.(Nader Jahanfard)

footballmedia.net - If one thing I have learned from a decade of passionate sports writing, is the reality that you can always count on pledges of a “true” leader.
Here I am sitting in front of a TV thousands of miles away from my native soil wondering about an astonishing career of a man who despite all the tension and dominant criticism, came on top of things proving the majority wrong!
 
Today, Ali Daei gave me a new “motive” to smile again and make me think; is there anything that this man can’t do?
 
We may indeed “never” see the Emperor perform as a football player on the football pitch again, but Daei’s splendid football career is far from being over. Quite the contrary he should be the main raison d'être for every football fan to be upbeat about the future of coaching in Iran and likelihood of having him at the helm of the national team some day!
 
And if “you” claim that it can’t be done, I sincerely urge that you review the “evidence” once more!
 
Today, I had the honor of yet having another chat with the “champ” himself.
His diverse and exceptional character has given me many chances in the past to explore and investigate the state of affairs in our football on different levels.
His latest accomplishment more over, will open a new window of opportunity so we can continue this distinctive alliance longer.
I look forward to many more of such dialogues in the near future and the narrative of the “king and I” will continue to make an impression…
 
Nader,
Ali jan ba salam. Congratulations are in order. We are extremely proud of you and your latest accomplishment!
 
Daei,
Many thanks Nader jan. I appreciate the support you have given me through ought the years. I am also very happy about Saipa FC winning the title.
 
Nader,
What is your impending plan for coaching?
Are you going to obtain your “A” coaching license or not?
 
Daei,
God willing, I am positioning myself to take all the necessary courses to achieve this. I may even go to Europe and take required classes and completing that is on top of my agenda.
Right now I am qualified to receive my “B” coaching license from Bundesliga (players who have played in Bundesliga for number of years are eligible to receive a “B” license in coaching), but I like to get the highest degree and will pursue that as soon as I get a chance.
I am also going to attend few classes in Asia and receive coaching credentials so I can coach in Iran for now.
 
Nader,
Are you going to remain as Saipa’s coach?
 
Daei,
Yes. That is the plan for now.
 
Nader,
Ali jan, Saipa was doing real well in the league for a while but your team lost concentration few weeks back. What happened and how were you able to regain your focus?
 
Daei,
After playing against Persepolis FC of Tehran we got trapped in “side issues”! Unfortunately due to lack of coaching experience, I was not able to bring the team’s attention to what was important in time and we stumbled a few times.
At the same time I was real lucky to have such a unified crew who helped us get back on track and with the full support of Saipa’s organization we regained control.
I take full responsibility for what happened and it was all part of learning process!
 
Nader,
Please elaborate on your retirement news a bit. Do you think your timing was right?
 
Daei,
It was certainly the time to retire and I am positive that I made the right decision.
As a matter of fact my plan was to retire from football after we returned from Germany, but as you are fully aware they “forced” me to stay and prove a point!
I am thankful to god that I was able to continue, get my point across and retire in style.
I had to do this for variety of reasons!
After returning from Germany there was horrendous amount of pressure on, but with believing in god and full support of friends and family, I was able to overcome it all. I am so grateful.
 
Nader,
Ali jan, once more I have to congratulate you for being a force in Iranian football. I had “no” doubts that once again you would come out superb!
At this point what are your plans for Saipa?
 
Daei,
I am thinking about adding few players to our roster so we can have a strong start to finish when we represent Iran in the competition next year.
You know me well Nader jan. I am not the type to overlook important issues and you can count on it!
 
Nader,
What are the chances for Iran in the next upcoming Asian Nation’s Cup?
 
Daei,
We have a very difficult task ahead of us but naturally we are going to be behind the team %100. I wish them all the best!
 
Nader,
Do you think we can feel the gap that is left by your absence in the national team?
 
Daei,
I don’t think there is a gap and I am sure that they are able to do a great job in this team. I wish Iran the best!
 
Nader,
Do you see yourself at the helm of the national team someday?
 
Daei,
Right now I am not thinking about it. We shall wait and see the situation in the future. It all depends…
 
Nader,
Ali jan, I am aware of your very busy schedule at this time and I thank you again for giving me the opportunity to talk to you. I am truly proud of you “Shahriar”!
You are unquestionably the man
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