West Asia Iran

Stramaccioni: Esteghlal fans’ protest for me was crazy

Esteghlal Italian manager Andrea Stramaccioni admitted he didn’t expect the fans went on strike following his departure due to financial problem with the club.

Former Inter Milan manager who took charge of Tehran giants in the summer, helped them to sit at the top of the Iran Pro-league table but due to sanctions, Esteghlal couldn’t pay his salary so he quit his job last week. After his departure, Esteghlal fans went on strike in front of the club headquarter and even beat one of the club directors.

Stramaccioni who has announced will return to Iran if his money is paid, admitted fans’ reaction was surprising for him.

“it was crazy. I have never expected that such things happen for me” He told Corriere dello sport.

“when I received Esteghlal’s offer, the first thing passed my mind was “Iran?!” but I’m not two-faced and I knew there is not an opportunity for me in Italy and decided to continue my career in Iran.”