Title: The Persepolis Pivot: Timorian’s Averted Move and The Untold Story of a Football Legend
A Captain’s Tale: Shahrokh Bayani’s Enduring Legacy
Shahrokh Bayani remains an unforgettable and deeply respected figure in the history of Iranian football. His career is a compelling narrative of loyalty, rivalry, and the complex dynamics within the nation’s most popular sport. In a revealing interview, the former Esteghlal captain revisited the pivotal moments that defined his journey, including his surprising mid-1980s transfer from Esteghlal to Persepolis—a move he later returned from.
Navigating Club Loyalties
Bayani’s story is intertwined with the fabric of Iranian football. He rose through the ranks of the former Taj (Esteghlal) team, becoming a key player and eventually its captain. His deep admiration for legendary players like Hassan Roshan and Nasser Hejazi shaped his own style and passion for the game. He fondly recalled the strength of the 1984 national team, which he believed was a formidable squad.
The most dramatic chapter of his career was his departure from Esteghlal. Bayani clarified that his move to Persepolis was not born of desire but of circumstance, stemming from disagreements with the club’s management at the time, Abbas Kordnouri and Saeed Maraghehchi. He expressed profound regret over this period, stating, “If I could, I would erase that phase when I went from Esteghlal to Persepolis. I paid a heavy price for that one year.”
Leadership and Lasting Influence
Upon his return to Esteghlal in 1989, the issue of captaincy was handled with a focus on team unity. While initially given the armband, Bayani, to avoid internal disputes, supported a decision that saw his brother, Shahin Bayani, become the captain for international fixtures to present a unified front.
Drawing from his own difficult experience, Bayani recently played a pivotal advisory role. He revealed that he intervened to dissuade fellow footballer Andranik Timorian from making a similar transition to Persepolis, using his personal history as a cautionary tale to guide the younger player’s career path.
Through his reflections, Bayani paints a picture of a man dedicated to his sport, his teams, and the lessons learned from a life in the intense spotlight of Iranian football.