Dropped Sardar Azmoun asserts his love for Iran, backs World Cup squad

Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun, dropped from the national team for the 2026 World Cup, posted a heartfelt message on social media expressing his love for his country and wishing the squad good luck. Azmoun, the second-leading scorer in Iran's history with 57 goals in 91 appearances, was left out due to injury, but reports suggest he was also expelled for perceived disloyalty after meeting Dubai's ruler. In his post, he stated he has always played for his country with pride.