No Iran deal for ex-Stars captain Appiah

Ex-Black Stars, Stephen Appiah has failed to reach an agreement with Iranian club, Persepolis.

The 31-year old was reported to have inked a deal with the Tehran-based club last week, but GNA Sports understands the move has fallen through.


Information gathered by GNA Sports indicates that Appiah failed to impress the Portuguese trainer of Persepolis, Jose Manuel during the three-days of observation with the most supported club in Iran.


According to Iranian daily, Tehran Times, the performance of Appiah fell short of the expectation of Manuel, of Ahly fame, who was hoping to bank on the services of the player to boost the club’s fortunes.


“Manuel Jose rejected to sign former Ghana captain Stephen Appiah due to health reasons on Monday.


“The 31-year-old Ghanaian midfielder Appiah attended the training with Persepolis but did not impress Jose,” quoted the Tehran Times.

The development won’t go down well with fans of Persepolis, who thronged the airport in pockets to welcome the former Black Stars captain last week, and were hoping he dons their famous red colour.


Meanwhile, Persepolis has invited Australian defender David Carney for a three-day trial ahead of a permanent deal.


Appiah has not tasted action since his short stint with Serbian side Vojvodina which ended in April.


The talented midfielder announced his retirement from international football in 2010 having had stints with Italian clubs, Udinese, Parma, Brescia, Juventus, Bologna and Cesena as well as Turkish giants, Fenerbahce.