Shabab Al Ahli forward Sardar Azmoun has shared his thoughts following his return to the Iran national team.

Operativ Media reports that the 31-year-old player has been called up to the Iran squad for friendly matches against Uzbekistan on September 24 and Russia on September 29. Azmoun had not been called up to the national team since 2025.

Taking to his social media accounts, the footballer expressed his delight at being back with the national team after a long absence. He noted that since 2014, he has experienced various phases with the Iranian national team, including being left out of the squad and subsequently returning.

Azmoun noted that even during periods when he did not wear the national jersey, he never felt separated from the team. He emphasized that he had missed the national team training camps, the matches, and hearing the Iranian national anthem before games.

The player said that even after many years and numerous matches, being called up to the national team has not become routine for him, and he welcomed his latest invitation with the same joy as his very first call-up.

Azmoun also revealed that he holds no grudges against anyone and has no intention of proving anything to anyone. He wrote that he is happy to have the opportunity to fight for Iran once again.

Notably, Azmoun has been playing for UAE's Shabab Al Ahli since the summer of 2024. The forward has previously played for Bayer, Roma, Zenit, Rubin, and Rostov.