TEHRAN - Former Portugal coach Carlos Queiroz has been appointed as Iran’s new coach, Iran’s Football Federation (IFF) confirmed.

The 57-year-old coach has signed a three-year contract with Iran. Financial details were not revealed but it’s said he will lead the team with an annual salary of $1.7 million.
“I’m happy to be here. I want to help Iran advance to the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals in Brazil. Hopefully, our dream of reaching the World Cup will come true,” the former Real Madrid coach said.
“Iran has good players, resources, passion and a desire to be at the World Cup in Brazil, and that coincides with my goals. Of course, there is one thing I can tell you, everyone wants his team to qualify for the World Cup. The people’s expectations are high, but first we have to prepare ourselves to get good results,"" Queiroz added.
Queiroz was asked about the reports whether he consulted with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson to take charge of Iran football team. He said, “No, I talked to my assistants, not Mr. Ferguson. As you know, the media are interested in speculations.”
Queiroz was supposed to take charge of the team in February, but initially rejected the job, reportedly because his family was not ready to live in Iran.
Iran has been without a coach since January, when Afshin Qotbi's contract expired after Iran's dismal performance in the Asian Cup.
The ex-Manchester United assistant was sacked as Portugal coach after a disciplinary feud sparked by a six-month ban for insulting officials from the country's anti-doping body.
Iran has qualified for the World Cup three times - 1978 in Argentina, 1998 in France and in 2006 in Germany.
Iran will start its long quest for a fourth World Cup appearance when the team plays the Maldives in its opening qualifier