Vahid Shamsaei: I did not accept American citizenship
The head coach of the national futsal team said that in 2000, I was offered to become a U.S. citizen, but I declined because I love Iran and its people.
Vahid Shamsaei, the head coach of Iran’s national futsal team, regarding the asylum of Iranian athletes, said: I am never in others’ shoes and I don’t give opinions; I can only judge myself. In 2000, I was offered U.S. citizenship, but because I love Iran and its people, I did not accept it. Let me be clear: I love Tehran. I grew up in this city and I love it. When I was in Italy, they gave me a 5-year residency card, which could have been extended to 10 years and then permanent residency, but because I love Iran and its people, I didn’t even consider renewing it. Many told me I made a mistake, but I did not make any mistake, and as I said, I love Iran and its people.