Irish striker Stokes close to returning to Tractor Sazi

TEHRAN - Irish striker Anthony Stokes is on the verge of returning to Iranian soccer club Tractor Sazi.

The 30-year-old forward left Tractor Sazi in late November due to personal issues.

Stokes, who has played for Republic of Ireland from 2007 to 2014, scored 10 goals in 11 matches for the Tabriz-based soccer team.

"I am very happy for returning to Tractor Sazi once again. I want to come back to Tractor Sazi better than ever," Stokes was quoted as saying by Iran's Tasnim news agency on Monday.

Tractor Sazi's Scottish striker Lee Harry Erwin had already announced he would not return to Tabriz due to homesickness.