Tehran, IRNA – Iran's Esteghlal football club has officially welcomed Javad Nekounam, a former player of the club, as their new head coach.

Welcoming Nekounam "back home" in an Instagram message on Tuesday, Esteghlal wished him success, according to Wednesday report by IRNA.

"In your debut season, Esteghlal won a cup," the club wrote, hoping that he would once again lift a cup this time as the head coach of the Blue Boys of Asia.

Nekounam joined Esteghlal as a midfielder in the 2012–13 Persian Gulf Pro League season, which ended with Esteghlal winning their third pro league title with 67 points.

Esteghlal finished third in the 2022-2023 edition of Iran's league with 62 points  behind Sepahan with 65 and Persepolis with 66 points. 

4261**7129**9417