Quotes from Ali Daei

When I played in Europe, wherever I played, players knew in advance about their schedule, when was the time to practice, to play and to rest.

For a given match, I can only select 18 players and at most 14 would play.

It doesn't take long to learn basic English.

I think I would play well in England. With my height I am suited to the long ball and with the kind of crosses they put in, in England I think it would be better for me to play there.

Cristiano Ronaldo is one of the best players not only of his time, but of all time. He is an absolute phenomenon.

Football is getting more and more physical every day. There is no way to avoid contact.

This is really bad, when you create so many chances but you can't finish well.

I have a lot of respect for Ali Karimi and appreciate his football but we cannot get desired results with big names. It won't work.

Our soccer has always been weak in team-work. Iranians have been the best in the world individually, but as a team we are one step behind.

Carlos Queiroz and his colleagues have done so much for Team Melli.

Once Cristiano beats my record, I will personally congratulate him.

I was so proud when I wore the international strip for the first time - I couldn't swap that feeling with anything.

I have two years left on my contract with Hertha Berlin, but I'd like to play in England and if I'm offered a good contract from an English club then I'd want to go there.

If it were up to me I'd rather sign up the best and most deserving players, since we have to make our fans happy.

In every family, you would have differences of opinions.

In Germany I am learning everything I need to be a professional.

I think I'd better lose 10 or 15 kilos and play up front to score.

I'm happy with the memories of Germany - I lived and played there for five years, and made lots of good friends.

We were thrilled to reach France in 1998 but our failure to make the finals in the U.S.A. in 1994 and South Korea and Japan in 2002 has left a bitter taste.

The World Cup is every footballer's dream.

The World Cup could be a jumping point for many players to change everything.

I will not summon any new player for the Saudi Arabia match in the 2010 World Cup qualification.

In my opinion taking charge of a well-prepared team is not a big job.

Iran has been strong in individual sports like wrestling, judo and weightlifting, but we have never excelled at team sports.