Teymourian sees Asian Cup as ticket to Premier League success

DOHA //Andranik Teymourian, the Iran midfield star, is hoping to the Asian Cup will be his ticket for a return to the Premier League in England.

Teymourian, a Christian of Armenian ancestry, spent two seasons at Bolton Wanderers and was one of the favourites of the fans, but failed to receive a new contract and moved to Fulham in June, 2008.

However, after just one Premier League appearance in six months for club, he was sent on loan to Barnsley. In July last year, he was released from his contract with Fulham, but Blackburn Rovers were keen to nab him on a short-term contract.

Teymourian, however, failed to get a work permit and had to return to Tractor Sazi in Iran.

"To be honest, I would love to go back to the Premier League because I have learnt many things playing there," Teymourian, 27, said. "I improved my football in the Premier League and I had some really good friends there. I miss everybody in UK.

"So as a football player, I would love to work hard in this tournament in the hope that it will give me a chance to get back to Europe. I will do everything to go back to Europe. I want to stay there and carry on my football there.

"The only way Iranian players can get a chance to play in Europe is through tournaments like the Asian Cup or playing against a good European team, in a friendly or official game.

"We have lots of good players in the team and I hope we can win the tournament. This will help the Iranian players get into European clubs."

Teymourian played in the 2-1 win over Iraq, but missed the second match against North Korean following a bout of flu that has been affecting the team. He is expecting to start against UAE tomorrow

and determined to finish the group engagements with an all-win record.

"At the moment my condition is getting better," he said. "I have had two training sessions with the team after recovering from the flu. I am working with the physio and the doctors, and everybody is happy with my fitness. So I feel I am ready.

"We have already played two games and qualified for the next stage. But everyone is working hard and everyone is keen to win the third game. Everybody is ready for the UAE game. I hope we can beat them and go through with nine points."

arizvi@thenational.ae