Lee Ki-je, 'Nightmare Train to Iran', urgently 'pursuing his return home' after fleeing the embassy... He was the team's key defender, but he's coming back after a month

*This content was translated by AI.

Lee Ki-je (34, Mes Rafsanjan), a former defender of the Korean national soccer team, has stopped his "Iran Challenge." Currently, Lee Ki-je is seeking to return home.

According to the soccer community on the 2nd, Lee Ki-je was evacuated to the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Iran, Tehran, Iran, to ensure safety, and is preparing to go to Korea.

Recently, the United States and Israel have carried out large-scale military operations targeting Iran, casting a thick cloud over Iran. In the midst of an imminent crisis, the Iranian professional soccer league has also been suspended, and it is unclear whether it will resume.

Lee Ki-je's advance to Iran was a big topic in the Korean soccer community. Lee Ki-je, who accompanied Suwon Samsung after the 2025 season, wore a Mesrap Sanjan uniform in the Iranian first division in January. The contract period is a short-term contract until this summer. Lee Ki-je was the first player to take the stage in Iran.

He also adjusted to the Iranian stage smoothly. Lee Ki-je started five consecutive games since his debut on January 22 and played full season in all of them, quickly becoming a key defender of the team.

However, as the situation in Iran deteriorates, the safety of foreign players cannot be guaranteed. Mesrafsanjan's home game, which was scheduled to be held immediately on the 1st, was also postponed indefinitely along with the league suspension.

As a result, Lee Ki-je plans to terminate the remaining contract and unfortunately return to Korea.

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*This content was translated by AI.