Karimi: I came back to become a champion/ My relationship with Sepahan is more than football!

Sepahan's captain talked about the difficult days of injury and long-term absence from football, the support of the club and the fans in an interview with Sports Three.

According to "Varzesh Se", Mohammad Karimi, the second captain of Sepahan, is one of the figures whose return can give more variety to Sepahan's midfield. The second captain of Talaipoushan, who was away from the Premier League for a whole season, after going through a difficult period of treatment, found the opportunity to be in his team again in the match against Fajar Sepasi and the Isfahan derby.

Karimi entered the field from the 88th minute in the match against Zob Ahn. Although his chance to play in this match was short, but his return was accompanied by the joy of the fans of this team and they strongly encouraged him.

In a conversation with our reporter, Karimi talked about the difficult days of the injury, the support of the club and fans, the conditions of his return and Sepahan's goals.

* You can read Karimi's conversation with Sports 3 below:

Sepahan Club extended your contract for two more seasons during your injury and Moharram Navidkia has repeatedly expressed his expectations for your return. How much did this trust motivate you during the difficult days of treatment?

This trust was very valuable to me and gave me a lot of motivation. My injury period was one of the most difficult times in my football career, because I didn't know exactly when I would be able to return to the field. It was very important for me that Sepahan club was by my side and extended my contract. Mr. Navidkia's words also motivated me more. These supports made me try with all my might to return and feel more responsible towards the club.

*After Fifadi, you returned to the field again, played against Fajrspasi and Zob Ahn and even managed to score in Fifadi. After nearly a year away, how did it feel for you to return to competitions and score goals?

After nearly a year away, it felt amazing to be back on the court, a feeling that really can't be described easily. During this time, I went through many difficult days and many times I had to deal with pain, fatigue and difficult mental conditions. Scoring a goal after all that distance had its own pleasure, but more important than the goal was that I could help my team on the field again. I hope this is the beginning of better days to come.

* In the match against Fajrspasi, Ehsan Hajsafi gave you the captain's armband when you entered the field and the fans gave you a special welcome with their cheers. How did you feel at that moment and how much did this event mean to you?

That moment was very special and emotional for me. Mr. Ehsan is one of the players that I have a lot of respect for and the fact that he gave me the armband when I entered was very valuable to me. On the other hand, the reception of the fans after that difficult period really touched me. These events reminded me that my relationship with Sepahan and its fans goes beyond football and getting results. I hope I can repay the love and trust they have in me with my performance.

*You had the chance to play in the last two matches against Fajrspasi and Zob Ahn. How far are you physically and technically ready and when can we see Mohammad Karimi in his best form?

Thank God, I am in good condition and I am happy to be able to compete again. Of course, after such a long injury, my goal is to find better conditions every day and reach my best level. I want to help the team with full preparation and in the best conditions. I hope that by continuing this process, you will soon see Mohammad Karimi in his best form.

*You have been in Sepahan since the summer of 2017 and have played more than 200 games with this team's shirt. What made you consider Sepahan as your home all these years and this relationship with the club and fans deepened so much?

I have been in Sepahan since 2017 and spent an important part of my football career in this club. This is not just a club for me, it is a part of my life and football memories. In these years, I have experienced many good and difficult days with Sepahan and I have always tried to play with all my heart for this shirt. The love of the fans, the trust that the club has in me and the connection I have found with the people of Isfahan have made me consider Sepahan as my home. I hope to be in this club for many more years and to win more honors with Sepahan.

* Sepahan experienced various changes in the midfield during your absence. Now that you are back, what qualities do you think you can add to the team and how will your presence affect the structure of the midfield?

I think the most important thing I can add to the team is my experience and knowledge of Sepahan. In these years, I have experienced different situations in the team and I know many players well. Of course, football is a team effort and the success of the midfield depends on the coordination of all players. I try to play my part in the success of the team by being responsible and fighting. It is important that Sepahan develops as a team and we can reach our goals.

* Sepahan had some ups and downs in the first weeks of the season, but after Fifadi, they experienced a strong start and no one expected to score six goals against Fajrspasi. What are your evaluations of the team's current situation and what does Sepahan need to return to the group of contenders?

Football always has ups and downs and I think you shouldn't judge the quality of a team based on just a few results. After Fifadi, we had a very good start and the high-goal victory against Fajrspasi showed that there are many abilities in this team. Scoring six goals in one match is not an easy task and it is the result of team effort. However, it is important to continue this process and be stable in the future games. Sepahan always competes for the championship and to be at the highest level. To achieve this goal, we must maintain our focus, unity and daily effort and enter the field to win in every match.

*During your injury, Sepahan fans supported you many times and had enthusiastic reactions when you returned. How much did this support help you get through the hard times and what message do you have for the fans who have been waiting for your return all this time?

I am really grateful to Sepahan fans. During the injury period, there were days when the road to my return seemed very difficult and long, but the messages and support from the fans gave me energy. When I returned to the field after that time and saw their reception, I felt that all those hardships were worth it. I always consider myself responsible for these fans and I know that their love cannot be compensated with words. I hope I can repay their love with good games, effort and making Sepahan proud. I sincerely thank all those who were by my side during this time.

*If you want to give a message to Mohammad Karimi in the first days of his injury, when he was facing a long and unknown path, what would you say?

I told him to be patient and believe in yourself. Maybe at that point the path seemed very long and difficult, but this era also passes. There will be days when only a memory remains of this situation. The important thing is not to give up on hard days, to keep trying and to stay mentally strong. This injury taught me that to achieve something you love, you have to be more patient than you think. Looking back today, I'm glad I didn't give up and fought to come back.

In the end, I would like to thank all Sepahan fans who were by my side during the difficult days of my injury. I am also grateful to my family, club, medical staff, coaches and all those who helped me during my treatment and return. This period was a great experience for me and made me appreciate being on the football field and wearing Sepahan's shirt more. Now I am back with more motivation and energy and I will do my best to perform the best for Sepahan with my teammates and make the fans happy. I hope that at the end of the season we can reach the goals that this great club deserves.