French midfielder Nzonzi leaves Sepahan for ‘safety reasons’
Former France international Steven Nzonzi walked out on his contract with Sepahan on Sunday, bringing an end to weeks of speculation about his future at the Persian Gulf Pro League club.
A 2018 World Cup winner, the 36-year-old Frenchman – who had not reported for Sepahan’s preseason earlier this month – is the second foreign employee to leave the club following the 12-day war between Iran and Israel, which was triggered by Israel’s aerial aggression on Iranian territory on June 13.
French head coach Patrice Carteron stepped from his role days before a ceasefire went into effect on July 24, with Sepahan announcing club legend Moharram Navidkia as his successor.
“Thank you to the great people of Isfahan and this beautiful city for the way you welcomed me and family,” Nzonzi wrote on Instagram on Sunday, adding: “Me and my family decided that it was best for us not to come back especially for safety reason, I tried to find the strength but I couldn’t.”
“I had a great season, I wish all of you nothing but the best for the upcoming season.”
Having joined as a free agent from Turkish club Konyaspor on a two-year deal last summer, Nzonzi made 34 appearances for Sepahan across all competitions, bagging three goals and an assist, as the Isfahan-based outfit finished runner-up to Tractor in the Iranian top-flight table, while crashing out of the Hazfi Cup quarterfinals and the group stage of the AFC Champions League Two.
Sepahan’s new season will begin with a visit to Al Duhail of Qatar on Aug. 12, where a place in West’s league phase of the AFC Champions League Elite will be on the line at the Khalifa International Stadium.
Sepahan has made six signings during the summer transfer window – including former Iran skipper Ehsan Hajsafi, goalkeeper Mohammadreza Akhbari, and ex-Esteghlal midfielder Arash Rezavand – while Omid Nourafkan is back in the squad following a loan spell at Malavan.