Interview
Iran football team’s forward rejected the offer of German team
Fathi:I have couple of other offers
Shirzanan:Masomeh Kiani/ translated by Roja Najafi: Narmila’s technical style and beautiful dribbles when she played the left forward – as well as the right forward – is still remembered by German football players. Two years ago a local German women’s football team came to Iran for a friendly match with Iran’s women’s national team. In that game the German team got to know Narmila Fathi, number 13 in the national team.
After two years Narmila got an offer to go to Germany and play football for this local team. If she accepts this offer, Narmila will become the first Iranian female football legionary [Sic] to play in Europe. She is not only famous in Germany but also in Asia and she has some other offers from West Asian countries. Here is an interview with Narmila Fathi:
You had an offer from a German team, what do you think of it?
After the friendly match we had two years ago, I was invited to go to Germany. I practiced with them for sometime but I couldn’t accept their conditions.
How come?
They thought Iran has only one female football team; I told them we have national league for both soccer and Futsal. The conditions were good and they said they would get me a working residency as a football player. But I did not like their country; I love Iran.
Have you meet with any famous German soccer player while in Germany?
Yes, I met Stefi Jones, the best female football players 4 years ago; she is running the FFC team in Frankfurt and the German football federation’s deputy. Also I met Marlin, Vaulfi and Parous, who came to Iran two years ago. They all loved Iran; Marlin is learning Farsi in a Farsi school.
I have heard you had some offers form a team in Spain and Italy as well? How about the clubs in Asia, any offers?
Yes, They have invited me for a test- interview. I am still thinking about it. I also have an offer from Kuwait. Ma’ssomeh rezazadeh has the same offer. We have passed the paper works and their offer has good conditions.
In terms of soccer equipments and facilities how do you see Germany for women?
The football field we practiced in is very good. They have everything. And I don’t see any discrimination between male and female football. German women football players also play very well; the Frankfurt team won Mexico’s female team three to one.
The technical level of football in Europe is much better than Asia. I always wished to see a football match from a football stadium and I could do that in Berlin. I hope we can do the same thing in Iran.
The West Asian Futsal game is close, are you playing? How about soccer?
No I didn’t go to the Futsal camps. And about football, from a year ago and with a new Chinese head coach, Miss Choa, everything is based on relationships rather than technique and style. Some of the players do anything to please her and stay in the national team.
The Chinese coach has left the team and Mozafar the former head coach is back, what about now?
I have worked with Miss Mozafar. She was my Futsal coach. I respect her knowledge and technique. She asked me to join the team and I am looking forward to that in future.
Futsal league or Football league, which one do you play for this year?
Futsal league. Since the Football league is not professional yet.
