Iran Press/ Asia: "I had a long career with the Iran national team (since) 2000 I think. It’s been 23 years now. I know I put everything for my national team. (Even) with my injuries, every time I can’t play or when I’m not in shape, I know I have my teammates here who can improve (the team)," said Haddadi, the 38-year-old veteran who is without a substitute for Iranian basketball.
"I feel good but I feel upset too because I’ll leave my country, my basketball (career), my teammates, young players who came here," he added.
Haddadi also thanked his doctor who he said helped him overcome an Achilles injury at the beginning of the year, making it possible for him to close out his national team career at the World Cup.
"I wanna especially thank my doctor. You worked past ten years or more than that but the past four years, you worked really hard for me. Every time (I wanted to quit), you just pushed me to keep practicing," Haddadi revealed.
The 7-foot-2 big man, who plays for Sichuan Blue Whales in the Chinese Basketball Association, has nothing but well wishes and full support for Iran moving forward.
Iran's basketball team lost to Lebanon 81-73 in their last match in the 2023 FIBA World Cup.
Haddadi scored 14 points in the match to become the most influential player in the Iranian squad.
Despite the defeat, Haddadi felt the love and respect on his farewell performance in the world championships, his teammates and the entire Lebanese team hugging and paying tribute to the 7-foot-2 former Memphis Grizzlies at center court right after the final buzzer.
Wael Arakji, a player of the Lebanese national basketball team and the Asia Cup Most Valuable Player, even wore Haddadi’s jersey as a sign of adoration for the Iranian center who brought his country to two Olympic Games in 2008 Beijing and 2020 Tokyo and three Asia Cup championships.
Both Lebanon and Iran, however, missed out on an Olympic berth after Japan defeated Cape Verde, 80-71, in Okinawa for its third victory after five games.
The Japanese will be flying to the 2024 Paris Olympics after emerging as the best Asian team.
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