Iran veteran Farhad Majidi retires

The 35-year-old had been recalled by Carlos Queiroz recently but has opted to hang up the boots to make way for the next generation of Team Melli stars.Veteran Iran striker Farhad Majidi has decided to retire from international football to allow the nation's younger players an opportunity with Team Melli.The 35-year-old Esteghlal forward, who made his national team debut in 1996, was called up last week by Iran coach Carlos Queiroz in an extended squad for an upcoming camp prior to the World Cup qualifier against Bahrain on October 11.Queiroz had recalled Majidi, who made 45 appearances and scored 10 goals for Iran, in August having not been involved during the calendar year.Majidi is currently the topscorer in Iran's Pro League with seven goals, however he told reporters on Tuesday he'd decided to call it a day with Team Melli.“I announce my retirement from international football since I believe that the young players must be invited to the team," Majidi said. "Many years ago, I was a victim because the veteran players didn’t give the newcomers the chance to play. Now, I don’t want to be someone like them." He added: “Hopefully, Iran will qualify for the 2014 World Cup in Brazil under guidance of Carlos Queiroz, with whom I feel proud of working in the national team. Iran has so many talented players."Meanwhile in other news, Iran appears set for a friendly against Palestine on October 5, days ahead of the qualifier with Bahrain.Iran Football Federation international committee head Abbas Torabian told Mehr News Agency: “Palestine has announced its readiness to play Iran. The match will be played on October 5 in Tehran’s Azadi Stadium. "We are going to arrange their travel to Iran at the end of the 10 days."