From Sepahan to Persepolis: Reza Shokari Fulfills a Long-Held Dream
In a significant move during the summer transfer window, Iranian midfielder Reza Shokari completed his transition from Sepahan to the prestigious Tehran-based club, Persepolis. The player has now opened up about his long-standing desire to wear the famous red jersey and his journey to finally achieving that goal.
A Dream Delayed
Speaking candidly about the protracted nature of his transfer, Shokari revealed that his first opportunity to join Persepolis came much earlier in his career while he was playing for FC Rubin Kazan in Russia. However, the move fell through due to what he described as “mischief” from the club’s CEO at the time, Mr. Arab. This setback led him to Tractor SC instead.
“Now, I am incredibly happy that I have become a Persepolis player and have achieved my dream,” Shokari stated, emphasizing his joy at the eventual outcome.
The Right Conditions Aligned
When asked about the specifics of his latest transfer, Shokari explained that the necessary conditions had not been present before. The move materialized once the club’s management, under the directive of Head Coach Osmar Loss Vieira (known as Kartal in Iran), gave the order for his acquisition.
“When the conditions were right and Mr. Kartal instructed me to come to Persepolis, I came to this team with my entire being,” he affirmed, highlighting his commitment to the club’s project under its current leadership.
An Honor at Any Time
Addressing whether he joined the club at the optimal moment in his career, the 27-year-old midfielder was unequivocal. He believes that any opportunity to play for a club of Persepolis’s stature is an honor for a player, regardless of timing.
“Any time any player wants to come to Persepolis, it will be an honor for him. It was my destiny to come to this team at the age of 27,” Shokari remarked.
Praise for Management and Past Eras
Shokari also expressed his admiration for working under Persepolis’s current manager, Vahid Hashemian, calling it a “great honor.” He noted that he had heard much about the coach’s football knowledge and is now experiencing it firsthand.
Reflecting on the club’s history, the player added that he would have also cherished the opportunity to play under previous successful managers Branko Ivanković and Yahya Golmohammadi, acknowledging the strong legacy of the team.
In a final note, Shokari confirmed that he had received offers from rival club Esteghlal “every year,” but his ambition was always set on a move to Persepolis.