Former Premier League defender Jlloyd Samuel says the lure of the Asian market was behind his move to Iranian giants Esteghlal.
The 30-year-old Trinidad & Tobago international officially signed a five-month contract with the Tehran giants on Monday before making his debut in Tuesday’s 1-0 win at Damash Gilan.
The ex-Bolton, Aston Villa and Cardiff City full-back had had trials at Championship duo Leeds United and West Ham before making the surprise move to Iran, where he will link up with ex-Trotters team-mate Andranik Teymourian.
“When I was at Bolton, Andranik talked about it quite a bit and he’s playing here now but he’s injured at the minute,” Samuel told Sky Sports.
“Obviously it’s a new challenge, something out of the ordinary but I’m willing to take that chance.”
“They are one of the biggest clubs in Iran, they have 100,000 people watching their derby games and the fans here are unbelievable really.”
Esteghlal will face fellow Iranian club Zob Ahan in the Asian Champions League play-offs next month for the right to be part of the group stages for the 2012 edition.
Samuel added that competing in the continental competition was a major draw in his decision.
“I did have options to stay in England, and I had offers from quite a few teams abroad but for me this is a new challenge and a chance to enter the Asian market,” he said.
“This team plays in the Champions League here.”
