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Footballmedia.net Exclusive- Rashid Saadlou: During his noteworthy professional career in German football, Vahid Hashemian has experienced so many vicissitudes for more than a decade. He is one of the best Iranian players who found his way to German's top flight Bundesliga in 1999. Since then, he has scored 49 goals in his 217 appearances in Germany's division one and division two (he played for Vfl Bochum in 2001-02 as they were competing in second division) while Vahid has barely been a part of team's starting eleven.

In his exclusive interview with Footballmedia.net, Hashemian reveals all as he talks about the days away from international duty, his desire to play in England and how he was shocked by hearing the devastating news of Robert Enke's death.

Footballmedia: You're not going to wear Team Meli's shirt ever again. How does that feel?

Well, every player knows that football has got its limits. Ever since I put the national team's jersey on for the very first time, I knew I have to say goodbye to international football some day. This is natural. I had a brilliant time with the team and experienced some bitter disappointments recently as well. In any case, I hope that Team Meli will have brilliant days in the future and that they can qualify for 2014 FIFA World Cup Finals.

Footballmedia: You've had two goals and two assists in your overall 14 appearances so far this season. Are you satisfied with your statistics?

I was sidelined for six weeks due to a ligament injury at the start of the season. Further on, I felt pain in my back and that kept me away from action for a week as well. So I couldn't play for a total seven weeks. Regarding the opportunities I've been given, my statistics have been the best among my teammates.

Footballmedia: At the moment, you are 33 years old and you've been playing in Germany since 1999. What has changed about Vahid Hashemian during this spell?

I've changed a lot. I've experienced so many things in German football and working with different coaches has just added to my baggage. Eleven years of playing in Germany has been a very invaluable experience for me. At the moment I'm looking forward to pursue my coaching process here and participate in its related classes. By and large, playing in Germany has given me a wealth of experience and I think that I've been able to get used to German culture and the country's circumstances very well.

Footballmedia: Was it a morale booster to be a part of Bundesliga's team of the week after your decent performance against FC Schalke 04? You scored a goal and had an assist to rescue your team from defeat.

However it sounds strange, but to be honest, my performance against FC Schakle 04 didn't boost my morale that much and it also didn't leave any impacts on my manager's mind as I only played for seven minutes in the team's last fixture. I really don't know what is the exact reason behind all these decisions.

Footballmedia: Did your coach, Heiko Herlich talk to you about your performance? Do you think that there is a lack of interaction between the coaches and players in German football?

No, he didn't speak a word with me on that subject. Usually, players and coaches don't talk with each other too much in Germany and coaches have the final word in every case. A player can never ask his coach the reason why he is not played and players can never be critical of their coaches. I believe that there is no lack of interaction, but in Germany, coaches always call the shots.

Footballmedia:You were a team mate of Robert Enke at Hanover. Did you ever think that depression can lead to such a professional athlete's suicide?

I was Robert's team mate for three years and I have to say he had a great character. I also should admit that I never saw any elements of depression in his attitude. I was flabbergasted by his death and I never thought he might commit suicide some day.

Footballmedia: Recently, Mehdi Mahdavikia parted his way with Eintracht Frankfurt and joined Estil Azin to announce his official comeback to Iranian football. Is there any chance of your return to Iranian football?

Anything is possible in professional football. Football is replete with ups and downs. No one knows what the future holds and I think it would go amiss to talk about my return to Iranian football right now.

Footballmedia: Why do you think Asian players are not given too many opportunities in Europe? Do you think there are any reasons apart from technical issues?

My circumstances are way different from a newcomer Asian player who has just set foot in European football. I've been playing in Germany for more than a decade now; however German football has got its particular characteristics and as I said earlier on, you can never argue with your manager on any subjects. Maybe there are some none-technical reasons, but I don't know about that.

Footballmedia: What factors are at play to succeed in German football?

Well, physical fitness plays a major role. You need to have a good physical condition, because German football clubs hold two training sessions every day. Having a professional mindset is another factor. You need to concentrate on your football more than anything else. Sometimes when you are under par, newspapers start criticizing you, so you need to have a strong mentality as well. Getting accustomed to the country's culture and the team's situation can help you a lot, too.

Footballmedia: What is your favorite league to play in?

I've had a great desire to play in England and I believe that my abilities can meet the standards of English football.

Footballmedia: Who is the best coach you've ever worked with?

I've had so many coaches and I have learned a lot from each and every one of them. I can't say who has been the best for me. All of them have added to my knowledge.

Footballmedia: Are you an admirer of any individual European striker?

I watch all of them. Every one of them has got his own style and I don't have any favorites. Every style is different and appealing to me.

Footballmedia: Can you make a prediction about this season's Bundesliga champions? Where will Vfl Bochum end up this season in the standings?

I think we will finish on 12^th to 15^th place in the table. In regards of this season's champions, I think Leverkusen have got a big chance to finish on top, but you never know with Bayern Munich. They have always made it hard for the favorites in the final fixtures of the season. I personally love to see Leverkusen as this year's champions, because they have got some young talents and they play a very spectacular football.

Footballmedia: What does the future look like for Iranian football? Do you think that Iran will be among the favorites to claim Asian Cup next year?

Our football has an enormous potential, but I think the current situation is worrying. Everyone has focused their attention on peripheral issues rather than football and players and maybe even coaches are fed up with these issues. I think we must consider an effective use of our time and ameliorate the situation via the help of skilful directing managers.

Footballmedia: Do you think there is anyone who can take your place in Team Meli? Everybody is talking about Karim Ansarifard these days.

To be honest, I haven't been able to watch Team Meli's matches since I've returned to Germany due to the hectic schedule I've got here; however, I think youngsters should be given the opportunities to fulfill their potential and show their abilities in practice. Our football has got so many great talents.