Iran coach Queiroz set for Colombia switch after Asian Cup

Iran coach Carlos Queiroz said Friday that he was "honoured" to be courted by Colombia, who want the former Real Madrid boss to join them after the Asian Cup.

But the Portuguese, who has been Iran coach for eight rollercoaster years, insisted that he remains committed to bringing Asian football's biggest prize back to the country for the first time in more than 40 years.

"There's no doubt that Colombia expressed its interest and confidence in me," Queiroz told AFP in an interview before Iran face Oman in the last 16 at the weekend.

"It is an unbelievable national team with fantastic players and a very high FIFA ranking (12) -- it's prestigious, an honour and something that makes me very proud.

"But at the moment my responsibility is with Iran," added the 65-year-old, who almost steered Iran to the knockout stages of last year's World Cup in Russia.

"After the Asian Cup I will take into consideration for sure Colombia's invitation."
"They want to move in another direction and for sure I will find another solution too."
- 'Emotional sanctions' -
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"People are suffering with these emotional sanctions that are affecting the country and society. But when you live together with these fantastic people and the spirit they have, you fall in love."
"I love the players -- they never quit, they are strong characters, they always want to improve, they fight. They are so dedicated to the country and the shirt. This is probably one of the strongest football families I ever met in my life."