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PFDC – TEHRAN, Team Melli goalkeeper Mehdi Rahmati shocked Iran’s public on Sunday, announcing his temporary retirement from the national team.

The 29-year-old refused to explain the reasons behind his decision, only telling reporters he would need some rest and hopefully resume his international carreer at a later point of time.

The 75-time Iranian international also said he had neither informed Team Melli boss Carlos Queiroz, nor had consulted his club coach Amir Ghalenoei before announcing the decision publicly.

Davari invitation the reason?

The lack of provided information opens lot of room for interpretation.

A few days ago rumours were spread half-Iranian goalkeeper Daniel Davari of Bundesliga 2 table toppers Eintracht Braunschweig will make Queiroz’ list for the upcoming Asian Cup qualifier against Lebanon.

The 25-year-old Davari would be a serious contender for Rahmati’s number one spot, with the latter also having been under some criticism recently.

Rahmati, despite saving Iran on numerous occasions with great reflexes, was also regularly at least partially blamed for some of the conceded goals during the ongoing World Cup qualifiers, most recently Uzbekistan’s winning goal in Tehran.

The frustration about this – sometimes exaggerated – criticism could also explain the surprising decision.