Iran Press/ Iran news: The German newspaper Kicker reported that a Premier League club is ‘interested in working with’ the 51-year-old coach, who is currently without a job after leaving Persian Gulf Pro League side Saipa FC in May last year.
Daei, for those that don’t know, is famous for being the highest international goalscorer in the history of the game, having racked up 109 goals in 149 games for Iran during a playing career that saw him turn out for the likes of Bayern Munich and Hertha Berlin too.
He retired in 2007 and has since worked as a manager, with his most high-profile role being a nine-game stint in charge of Iran between March 2008 and 2009.
He’s worked for various sides in his home country and the Persian Gulf Pro League since, but now could be set for a return to the ‘international football stage’ with Everton if the rumors are true.
Now, as Kicker makes clear, there’s not even a hint of what that role might be, and we can’t for the life of us think of one either given Everton’s current coaching setup under Carlo Ancelotti.
That leads us to think this has something to do with the Blues majority shareholder Farhad Moshiri, who is obviously Iranian.
Perhaps he’s looking to do a legend a favor and give him some work in these tough times, as a scout or something of that nature.
Alternatively, maybe Carlo Ancelotti thinks his forwards need a little help and has turned to a renowned international goalscorer for guidance.
That seems unlikely, but if 2020 has taught us anything it’s to expect the unexpected, so this is one we’ll be keeping an eye on.
Daei currently runs his own sportswear company.
But a source close to the former Iran captain said: “His ambition remains undiminished.”
Daei was an unused sub as Manchester United famously scored twice late on to beat Bayern 2-1 in the 1999 Champions League final.
He played for Iranian sides Persepolis, Saba Battery, and Saipa, as well as clubs in Qatar and the UAE, before hanging up his boots in 2007.
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