Mehdi Taremi: The year he had to stop playing football

“I prepared myself more mentally than physically.” At 19, Mehdi Taremi was forced to put football on hold, to complete Iran's compulsory military service. So instead of playing, he studied the game – analysing every movement and preparing himself mentally for the day he could return to the pitch.

The Iranian Striker: Mehdi Taremi, an Al Jazeera Originals that follows the journey that shaped one of Iran's greatest footballers. Watch now on the Al Jazeera English YouTube channel.

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