Iran's Azmoun to retire from International duty at 23

Azmoun, who has been nicknamed the 'Iranian Messi' had scored 23 goals in 33 games before the tournament in Russia began.

He was unable to find the net during the group stage, and Quieroz's side finished third in Group B below Spain and Portugal.

Azmoun has decribed to the 'BBC' how the decision was 'painful' to make.

Despite not finding the net in Russia, Azmoun scored 11 goals in 14 games in qualifying and played the full 90 minutes in all of Iran's Group B games.

Unfortunately, the criticism he has received over the course of the tournament has made his mother ill, according to Azmoun.

 "My mother had overcome a serious illness and I was happy," said Azmoun, who plays for Rubin Kazan in Russia.

"Unfortunately because of the unkindness of some people, and the insults that me and my team-mates in no way deserved, her illness has become severe."

"This has put me in a difficult position where I must pick one or the other - and as a result I pick my mother."

The young player is fifth in his county's list of all-time top goalscorers.