The 31-year-old’s goalscoring talents have led Iranian authorities to confer citizenship on him.
The former Vasco da Gama and Atlético Paraenense man Eder Luciano, better known as Edinho, moved to Iran in 2008 and currently plays for Mes Kerman.
“I already have my documents so I’d say there is about a 90 percent chance of making it into the national team,” he told Brazilian sports newspaper Lancenet.
“I have been in Iran getting on for eight years.”
He added it would be special to play a World Cup with anyone — but appearing in Brazil with the Iranians would be particularly so.
“The chance to play for a national team, the best players in a country, would be really something, be it playing for Iran, Spain, Germany or Brazil.”
“I shall prepare myself and if the opportunity arises, I’ll be ready,” vowed Edinho, who was playing in the Portuguese second division when the Iranians came calling.
He explained one of the most difficult aspects of adjusting to life in Iran was the food.
“I’ve not been able to adapt to the food here. I bring some over from Brazil whenever I can and so does my wife,” he said.
“When I first got here I wanted to turn round and go back home but I stuck at it and my perseverance was rewarded,” he concluded.
The Iranians, who will be making their fourth World Cup finals appearance, will take on Nigeria, Argentina and Bosnia in Group F.
