Hashemian confirms Iran snub
By Chris Ives
VFL Bochum's Iranian striker Vahid Hashemian has reiterated his desire to put club football before playing for his country.
VFL Bochum's Iranian striker Vahid Hashemian has reiterated his desire to put club football before playing for his country.
The 27-year-old star has been one of the revelations of the first half of the Bundesliga season after scoring 11 goals in 17 league games this term and helping unfashionable Bochum to fifth place in the table.
His form has reportedly made him a transfer target for title-chasing Stuttgart.
Speaking on Iranian television, Hashemian said that consolidating his reputation in Die Bundesliga was more important than playing for his country and that he had already informed coach Branco Ivankovic of the fact.
In addition Hashemian complained of "unfair treatment" by the Iranian FA in the past - a fact that had also affected his decision.
