Javad Nekounam

Hardly anyone had heard of Javad Nekounam when we first read his name in Diario de Navarra (local newspaper). The first thing we knew about him was that he was from Iran and that he had been sent off during the world cup. Osasuna had just signed one of the best players we have seen in the Reyno de Navarra. Without speaking a word of Spanish, Javad arrived in Pamplona as Osasuna´s first exotic signing and has proved to be a complete success during his first year in Spain.
His calmed style of play, his passing precision and stealing ability have made him not only one of the Osasuna favourites, but also one of the best new players in the Spanish league.
His moment of glory this season came when he scored a last minute extra-time goal against Girondins Bordeaux that meant Osasuna would play for the first time in history a UEFA cup quarter final.
But Neko or Neku, as we call him here, has been much more than that crucial goal. His elegance on the pitch and the way he makes the team play are something people where not used to, here in Pamplona.
There is only one thing that has Osasuna fans worried and that is his buy-out clause. Only a tempting 5 million Euros could see him out of our squad, and with the departure of Raúl García to Atlético Madrid, Nekounam is without doubt one of the most important players in the team.
He desires to progress, but we hope he can achieve that goal in our club.

For an excellent second season in Pamplona! JAVAD NEKOUNAM!