Iran Striker Sardar Retires From Team at 23 After Online Insults
Moscow, June 28 : Iranian striker Sardar Azmoun has announced his retirement from international football at the age of just 23 citing his mother's health as the main reason.
Azmoun was Iran's top scorer in qualifying for the 2018 FIFA World Cup, with 11 goals in 14 matches. But the player who has been dubbed the 'Iranian Messi' failed to score as Iran were knocked out of the group stage with a win, a defeat and a draw in their three Group B games, reports Xinhua news agency.
Iran managed to score just two goals (an own goal and a penalty) in the process. His lack of goals saw him become the target of disgruntled fans, which Azmoun says upset his mother so much it affected her health.
"Playing in my national team has been a great honour for me and I will be proud of myself to the end of my days," he said on social media, adding that "unfortunately... I have come to the decision to say goodbye to my national team."
"This is one of the most painful and significant life decisions for a youth of 23, who faced great hardships to get here," added Azmoun.
The striker plays his club football for Russia side Rubin Kazan, although it is thought he has offers to play next season either in England or Spain.
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Air India Express introduces late-night Bengaluru–Mangaluru service
International services at M’luru cancelled on March 7
Mangaluru: Air India Express will introduce a late-night daily flight service on the Bengaluru–Mangaluru–Bengaluru sector starting March 10, 2026.
According to the sources, flight IX 5971 will depart from Bengaluru at 9.25 pm and arrive in Mangaluru at 10.40 pm. The return flight, IX 5972, will depart from Mangaluru at 11.10 pm and reach Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru, at 12.20 am.
The additional service will operate daily and will remain in effect until March 28, 2026.
Meanwhile, Air India Express has cancelled all its scheduled international flights from Mangaluru International Airport (IXE) on March 7 due to the ongoing crisis in the Middle East.
The Bengaluru–Mangaluru sector already has multiple daily services. Apart from Air India Express, IndiGo also operates flights on this route.
