Javad Nekounam of Iran (L) fights off Angel di Maria of Argentina during the 2014 FIFA World Cup Group F match between Argentina and Iran at Estadio Mineirao in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, on June 21, 2014.[/caption]Irans central midfielder and captain Javad Nekounam has expressed interest to return to Osasuna, and says the Spanish football club wants him back.
According to a report published by the Mehr News Agency on Wednesday, the 33-year-old Iranian national has reached a preliminary agreement with the Spanish side, and is expected to sign a contract on Thursday afternoon.
The report did not disclose the terms of Nekounams contract with Osasuna.
Nekounams decision came after Iranian Premier League giants Esteghlal refused to extend his expiring contract, and added 26-year-old Omid Ebrahimi to their roster instead.
After his great performance at the 2006 World Cup, many soccer clubs in Europe showed enthusiasm to sign Nekounam. However, the Iranian football player decided to join Osasuna on a two-year contract, with an option to a third year.
On August 14, 2007, Nekounam suffered a rupture in the anterior cruciate ligament of his right knee, and was sidelined for eight months.
Osasuna pinned faith on Nekounam on November 24, 2007 and agreed to a three-year contract extension on the Iranian player's contract, which was set to expire on June 30, 2008.
Nekounam could make his first training appearance since the injury in February 2008. He managed to make his long-awaited return on 27 April of that year after Osasuna midfielder Francisco Punal was taken off the pitch in a match against Valencia CF. Osasuna lost the match 0-3. Nekounam featured Osasuna in the next years.
He renewed his contract with the Spanish football club for another two seasons on May 21, 2011, with the option of an annual renewal.
On July 21, 2012, Nekounam returned to Iran and signed a two-year contract with Esteghlal for a record fee of $9,500,000, which made him the most expensive player in the Iranian Premier League history.
By Press TV
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