The Loyalty Test: Azmoun's Heartfelt Message to Iran The decision to drop Sardar Azmoun from Iran's preliminary squad for the 2026 World Cup has sparked a heated debate in Iranian football circles, with some questioning the striker's commitment to his national team.
But in a statement on social media, Azmoun has made it clear where his loyalties lie. Azmoun's statement reveals a nuanced and complex relationship between football and nationalism.
At 17, he received a "very large financial offer" to represent another country, but chose instead to play for Iran, driven by his love for the country and its people.