Title: A Blue Heart: Esteghlal’s Yaser Asani on His Unwavering Club Commitment
In an exclusive interview with the “Football-e Bartar” program, Esteghlal’s winger, Yaser Asani, opened up about his journey to joining the Blues and his recent experiences, painting a picture of a player whose dedication to his club is absolute.
A Clear-Cut Decision
Asani revealed that when Esteghlal’s offer arrived, he had other opportunities on the table. However, his final decision was unequivocal. “I told my agent and my family that I only want to go to Esteghlal and I don’t want any other team, whether in Europe or Asia,” he stated with clarity, underscoring his singular focus on joining the Iranian powerhouse.
Bouncing Back with Resolve
Addressing the team’s heavy defeat against Al Wasl, Asani described it as a pivotal moment that galvanized the squad. “After that match, we promised ourselves that we had to show everyone who Esteghlal is,” he explained. The player pointed to the team’s strong comeback in subsequent performances as proof of their character and resilience, noting that the team’s current condition is now positive.
Overcoming Hurdles for the Blue Shirt
The path to returning to Iran and finalizing his move to Esteghlal was not without its challenges. Asani recounted initial obstacles where his previous club was reluctant to release him. “The club initially told me I couldn’t leave and had to wait until the end of my contract,” he said. After days of negotiations, a resolution was reached, but it required his firm stance. “They told me I had to go to Japan tomorrow, but I told them: ‘If I don’t go to Esteghlal, I won’t go anywhere else, not Japan or any other place.'”
A Deep-Seated Loyalty
His affection for Esteghlal and its fans was a recurring theme. Asani shared that even before his arrival in Iran, he was receiving messages from fans of rival clubs Persepolis and Sepahan, urging him to join their teams. His response was a testament to his loyalty: “But I was in love with Esteghlal and its fans.”
Learning from the Best
On a professional note, Asani also spoke highly of his teammate, Moinir Al-Haddad. He praised Al-Haddad as “one of the best players I have ever played alongside,” highlighting the positive environment and high caliber of talent within the Esteghlal squad.