Mehdi Mahdavikia Denies Rift With Daei

Speaking to Iranian journalists, Mahdavikia said, "Yes, I did not go back to Persepolis but it has nothing to do with Ali Daei."

"He is my good friend and we were teammates in Team Mellie for a long time. He was also my coach.

"My priority was to come back to my family in Iran because we have been apart for a long time. Football wise, my coach in Eintracht Frankfurt kept me on the bench for no reason.

"I talked to him and he did not have faith in me."

Mahdavikia then confirmed that he was content with his decision, continuing, "It was as easy as this."

"I believe coming back to your own country has been a trend for foreign-based [Asian] players recently and I am happy to be here again."