Iranian wrestler Amirreza Masumi has joined the Azerbaijani national wrestling team.

Offsideplus.az reports that the 21-year-old freestyle wrestler, who competes in the 125 kg weight category, said goodbye to the Iranian national team and his fans by posting on his social media page:

"Dear fans! I was part of the Iranian national team until I was 21. I proudly carried the flag of the country where I was born and raised. During this time, I won gold medals at the U17, U20 and U23 world championships, as well as the Asian championships. I express my gratitude to all the coaches who have played a big role in these successes, and to everyone who supported me. From today on, a new page in my career opens. I am now a member of the Azerbaijani national team and will continue to compete as part of the Azerbaijani team."

He also commented on the news about him. Thus, the news in the local press about Amirreza Masumi's transfer to the Azerbaijani national team for a high salary does not reflect the truth:

"Unfortunately, social networks indicate that the main reason for my transfer is the high salary. However, this information is not true. It is true that people from different countries were interested in me and offered high amounts. However, the approach to sports in Azerbaijan, the presence of our legendary wrestling friends here, and the pleasant and friendly attitude from the first day played a decisive role in my decision. I think that the conditions in Azerbaijan and the attention paid to sports will allow me to achieve greater success in my career. Azerbaijan is also my homeland now. I express my deep gratitude to the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation for showing great trust in me and the Azerbaijani people for welcoming me very warmly. I will do my best to justify this trust."

It should be noted that earlier, the Secretary General of the Azerbaijan Wrestling Federation Parvin Piriyev gave the following statement in an interview with Report about the details of A. Masumi's nationalization:

"Amirreza, who has learned the Azerbaijani language, feels comfortable and happy in our country, and sees wearing the national uniform as part of his sporting future. A long-term contract has been signed with the 21-year-old promising wrestler, and he will perform on behalf of Azerbaijan in the future in accordance with the relevant rules of the World Wrestling Union (UWW). Amirreza's involvement in our national team is in the spotlight not only within the country, but also in the world wrestling community. In fact, in recent days, various opinions have been expressed on social networks regarding the salary he will receive in Azerbaijan. I would like to note that the financial terms of the contract signed with Amirreza fully comply with the salary policy of the Azerbaijani national team."