TEHRAN, July 2 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Indian-origin star Omid Singh says he wants No. 7 jersey in the Indian national soccer team, Tehran Times daily reported on Tuesday.
Croatian coach Igor Stimac, who is taking the reins of the Indian national soccer team, recently issued an invitation to Omid Singh, a 28-year-old midfielder.
Although Omid Singh was raised in Iran, his father holds an Indian passport, making him eligible to represent the country.
"I liked to play for Iran's national soccer team but I was not invited to Team Melli. At the moment, Iran are one of the best teams in Asia and it's hard to be part of the team. Mr. Stimac called me and I accepted to play for India," Singh was quoted as saying.
"I am not familiar with the Indian soccer team but I know that they have progressed a lot. David James, Robert Pires, Nicolas Anelka, Roberto Carlos and Zico have played in Indian league in the past years," he said.
"I always wear No. 7 but they want to hand me No. 17. I hope they give me No. 7 in India," he added.
