Nekounam : From ever since I can remember I wanted to be a professional football player

What was your first contact with football in Iran?

I was born in Shahr-Rey, a city South East of Tehran. We used to play in neighborhood streets. Each street had its own football team and we competed with each other. I have many good memories from those days. We would usually start playing around three and finish around nine. Sometimes the police would come and prohibit us from playing.

Was it normal that they prohibited you to play football?

No, it is just that sometimes we would get into fights. In addition, we were interrupting the traffic.

You probably broke many windows and the neighbours complained?

(Laughing) No, that was not a problem. We would make lots of noise. Sometimes, the neighbors would throw buckets of water on us so that we would stop playing.

What type of ball were you playing with?

We played with a plastic ball.

What Iranian player did you admire at the time?

Jafar, he was a very talented left footer who used to play for Esteghlal.

When you were a young boy, you were almost killed by a fire in your house (he still has the scars on his legs). Tell us what happened?

I was playing with my brother when the fire started. All I want to say is that I thank my brother for saving my life.

When did it hit you that you were going to be a football player?

From ever since I can remember. My father would take me to the games. We had to leave at eight in the morning because the stadium gates would close by eleven, although the encounters were in the evening.

What are the difficult moments you had to go through in your career?

The conditions in Iran are not the same ones that are in Europe. I had to leave my house around noon and I returned around nine or ten at night. I lived in an outlying area and the clubs were far from my home. I had to take three buses before arriving at the trainings.

From those trips, have you kept some friends that were as good as you or even better?

We were many that had the intention of being a professional football player. Many of them are playing in Iran. One of my friend that I know since those days is Ali Karimi, who is great player and he now plays for Bayern Munich. To become a professional football player in Iran, you have to surpass many obstacles.

Being a young boy then, tell us how you lived the war with Iraq from 1980 to 1988…

Many young people died in this wrong war. I remember that all the sport competitions were stopped. We continued playing football while we could see and hear the missiles in the sky. I wish nobody would go through a war, it saddens me that so many lives were lost.

Let’s return to football. It’s a surprise for us to see an Iranian with the technical abilities you have. Where have you learned to play with this European style?

I have had great trainers. Some of the best foreign coaches went to Iran. I have learned the basics of football thanks to them and I have a lot of respect for them.

Who are they?

Among them, Blazevic, he took Croatia to the semi finals of the 1998 World Cup. Ivankovic, who was his assistant in 1998 world cup. René Simoes, the Brazilian who qualified Jamaica to the World Cup. Denizli, who was the trainer of Besiktas, Galasataray and Turkey's national team.

Speaking of the 1998 World Cup, where were you when your country defeated the United States?

I was in a bus, returning home, when we scored the first goal. Soon after I arrived home, the second goal was scored, it was like an explosion, everyone went to the streets, and the houses were empty. I don’t think anyone saw the end of the match (laughing). We, Iranians take football seriously. I remember when I made my debut with the national team, we were playing against Saudi Arabia and we won 2-0. We finished playing around eight and we arrived at the hotel after midnight. It took our bus more than four hours for a normally 15 minutes drive.

Who are the players that have influenced your style?

Dunga and Vieira. I believe Dunga was behind the success of Brazil in 1998. He played very simple but was decisive.

And Vieira?

I learned from him how to steal the ball from the opponents. Also, I’ve learned from my compatriot Nosrati. He is a defender but he accompanies the attack very well.

You have a powerful and precise shot but we have not seen that side of you with Osasuna. Has Zidanda asked you to shoot less?

I always do what the trainer asks me to do and he wants me to concentrate on my defensive duties. However, I would describe myself more like a playmaker.

What defensive midfielder has caught your attention in La Liga?

Frankly, there are quiet few of them but I don’t like naming players. I can tell you there are many very good players in Spain.

What about Raul Garcia?

He is young but extremely talented. In the future, I believe he will become one the best Spanish players.

Tell us about a player that you did not know of, and that surprised you…

There is a player in Sevilla, he is very young and quiet short, but has incredible speed and his dribbling is exceptional.

Jesus Navara?

That’s him.

It has already been a few months since the time you arrived in Pamplona, and you've been adapting to life here. On what aspect inside the locker room are you more tolerant?

The fact that my teammates call me flojito (an expression to design a skinny lightweight person). It was the first word I learned in Spanish , but they have also taught me all the swear words (laughing).

From which player have you learned the most?

(laughing) David Izquierdo.

Are you improving with the language?

Yes, also my translator Firooz helps me with the understanding, but when the guys start to joke with me in Spanish, I respond to them in farsi (laughing). I also teach them some words, mainly to Valdo.

Did you bring back the spices you needed from Iran in order to be able to cook?

No, I was too busy eating Iranian food all day. Anyways, I enjoy Spanish cuisine very much. I usually go out to the restaurant with my teammates. The food is not really an issue.

Have you already cooked for your companions?

Not yet, but I have that in mind. The problem is that once they taste Iranian food, they’ll be in front of my door everyday (laughing). I brought Ricardo to an Iranian restaurant in Manchester, and he was enchanted by the food.

A particular lad, like most of the goalkeepers, he is a little bit crazy…

(laughing) I admire him and value him very much. He is always a good company.

What does an Iranian do of his free time in Pamplona?

Not much, I am often in my apartment and I like to walk in the city.

You don’t go to the cinema?

No, I don’t like it. I prefer listening to Iranian and Spanish music in my flat.

How much does your telephone bill cost you?

(laughing) It’s the only way for me to be in contact with my family and with my friends in Iran.

Will your family come and live with you?

I would like it very much, but it is complicated, they have their lives in Iran.

Can you practice your religion the same way you do in your country?

Of course, without any problem.

Will you run in front of the bulls during the next Fiesta de San Fermin without the club finding out about it?

I would like to, but I prefer to remain alive (laughs). I saw the event when I arrived in Pamplona, it was something incredible that impressed me a lot.