Iran Central Asia

Former Iran defender Hadi Aghily hangs up his boots

Former Iran and Sepahan defender Hadi Aghily has decided to hang up his boots on Friday.

The 36-year-old defender, who has been out of action for a while, wrote an open letter to Sepahan fans.

“It’s time to make the toughest decision of my career because I have so many good memories with Sepahan. I want to thank my coaches and my fans and all people who helped me during the last years,” Aghili wrote.

Hadi Aghily started his professional career in Persepolis youth academy in 2000 and joined Saipa the following year.

The centre-back joined Sepahan in 2004 and played 254 games for the Isfahan-based club in two stints and scored 23 goals in 254 appearances.

Aghily made his debut for Team Melli in a match against Iraq on 4 October 2006.

In July 2007 Aghili was selected again to join the Iranian squad at the 2007 Asian Cup. He has been a member of the Iran for the 2010 and 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying matches.

Aghily served as the captain of Team Melli during the West Asian Football Federation Championship 2008 and won the Cup.