Hashemian returns to Iran's national team after 3-year absence

IRNA - Bayern Munich striker Vahid Hashemian on Friday returned to the Iranian national team for their crucial September 8 World Cup qualifying match against Jordan following a three-year absence, the former Pas player was quoted as saying on his personal website on Friday.

He cited strong "popular demand" for his decision to play again for Iran's national squad.

Hashemian is scheduled to join the training camp of the Iranian national team after his club's Bundesliga match against Bayer Leverkusen on Saturday.

Iran's national squad is to head on Sunday for Italy, where they will play two friendly matches with Serie A Club AS Roma.

Iran has to beat Jordan in Amman to have any chance to move into the second round of the Asian World Cup qualifiers.