Iran captain Daei gets badge of merit

DPA - Ali Daie, captain of Iran's national football team, received on Tuesday the Iranian badge of merit in recognition of his outstanding achievements for the Middle Eastern country.

The award was presented to Daei by President Mohammad Khatami during a special ceremony where a further 31 Iranian scholars and scientists were honoured with the same award.

The former Bayern Munich, Arminia Bielefeld and Hertha Berlin striker made his debut for the national team in 1993 against Pakistan and has scored 98 times in 134 appearances for Iran.

Daei, who now plies his trade with Iranian club Perspolis, was praised not only for his exceptional sports career but also for his social engagement for children and young adults as ambassador of the United Nations Children Fund.

The 35-year-old is currently recovering from a knee operation and didn't play in last Saturday's friendly against Germany.