This interview was first aired on 'Radio Germany' and translated by Iran Sports Press.
GOAL - Vahid Hashemian is considered one of Iran's most experienced foreign-based players with eight years of playing experience in the Bundesliga, with 138 games and 34 goals for Hamburg, Bochum, Bayern Munich and currently, Hannover 96.
With two thirds of the Bundesliga season over, please tell us about Hannover's season.
Hashemian - The 25th week of Bundesliga season is over and our team is currently placed in seventh but because lower teams have close behind, it is not considered a safe spot for Hannover yet.
After the changes in our coaching team, I returned to the starting position and made a couple of assists too and it was only against Schalke that the coach did not start me.
You have a contract with Hannover until the Summer of 2008, maybe it is too early to ask this question now , but what will you do after that? Are you planning to stay in the Bundesliga?
I am 30 years old now and at the time my contract expires, I will be 31. I would like to continue my football career in Germany until I am 34. My goal is to continue playing,while I am in-form and energetic. I dont like to continue playing just for the sake of playing.
After that, I hope to take professional coaching classes and switch to a football coaching career.
After 8 years of living in Germany, how much has German culture influenced you and your identity?
To be honest, I am fully Iranian with an Iranian identity and I am proud I am an Iranian. But when you move to a foreign country, you have to adapt to that country's rules and culture. You have to respect their differences, just as they respect us and our different culture.
I have learned discipline and hard work from Germans and from their culture.
The Iranian national team will take part in the Asian Cup this summer. How do you see Iranian team's situation considering there are few friendly Games taking place with four months left to the kick-off?
Well, Asian Cup is a prestigious competition in Asia. Our team has failed to achieve its potential as number one title contender of this competition in the past few years. I first hope the head of Iranian Football Federation (IFF) is clarified soon, because any federation that does not have a Manager will eventually struggle with problems. We should elect the head of IFF based on his expertise, management skills and his football knowledge.
Then we need to organize friendly games with good teams. I do not want to disrespect any team, but playing against UAE. Qatar and such like will not benefit our football at all. Organizing games against top teams, and more importantly, having a disciplined league will be the keys to our success in Asia.
Mr. Hashemian, on the eve of Norouz (Iranian New Year), you will celebrate this day in Germany like before. What is your message to Iranians?
I congratulate Norouz and New Year to everyone and wish a very prosperous year for all Iranians ,wherever they are, and in the name of Iranians, I wish them success and happiness.