Asian football chiefs have offered their "thoughts and prayers" after Iranian football great Ali Daei was reported to have been involved in a serious car accident.
According to reports early Sunday, former Iran captain Daei, who played for Bayern Munich in Germany's Bundesliga, was "critically injured in a car accident while returning to Tehran from Isfahan".
The PressTV.com report said the crash occurred Saturday night when Daei, manager of Iranian club Rah Ahan, was travelling in a car with his brother and a club coach.
Doctors in hospital in Kashan said Daei was "in a stable condition" after undergoing surgery for head injuries and would remain in the intensive care unit.
The report cited police who said the cause of the accident was excessive speed.
A statement from the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) said: "The AFC wishes Iranian legend Ali Daei, who was involved in a car accident on Saturday, a speedy and full recovery.
"We stand ready to assist Daei, who is a true icon of Asian football. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family in this difficult time."
The 42-year-old Daei is credited with being the world's top goal scorer in international matches. He scored 109 goals in 149 international games.
Source: AFP
