Saman Ghoddos, the 33-year-old midfielder of the Iranian national football team and player for Al-Ittihad Kalba in the UAE, has informed his teammates that he will retire from national games. This decision comes at a time when the Iranian national team is on the brink of the 2027 AFC Asian Cup, and Amir Ghalenoei, the team's head coach, has announced plans for youth development within the national team.
Ghoddos's Experience and Statistics in the UAE League
Ghoddos, who has been recognized as one of the key players of the national team in recent years, has performed well in his 70 national games and has also played in 7 matches of the ADNOC League and the UAE President's Cup this season, scoring one goal and providing four assists. These statistics indicate that Ghoddos is still playing at a high level of football, but it seems he is considering reducing his national activities.
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Possibility of Not Being Called Up for National Camp
Given Ghoddos's age and the changes in the national team lineup, it seems very likely that he will not be called up for the upcoming national camp and the two friendly matches against Palestine and Iraq. This decision somewhat reflects his desire to reduce his presence in national camps and focus on his club. Even in informal conversations with his teammates, he has hinted that he may not return to the national team after the 2026 World Cup.
However, none of the other experienced players of the national team have officially announced their retirement decision yet. This news comes as the national team is pursuing youth development and making changes to its lineup, and Ghoddos's retirement may be seen as one of the signs of these changes.
Ghoddos's retirement from national games will be a turning point not only for him but for the entire national team. With his experience and abilities, he can remain as a mentor and role model for younger players in his club and have an impact in this regard. However, whether he will officially retire from the national team remains unclear.
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