Khatibi keen to prove value

AFC - Iran's most expensive player Rasoul Khatibi is looking to use the Group C matches in the AFC Champions League the perfect platform to show that Esteghlal were right in paying a record-breaking US$ 320,000 to secure his services from Tehran rivals Pas.

"Being the most expensive player in Iran at the moment does put a lot of pressure on me but I am trying do my best for the team and to prove that Esteghlal didn't waste any money in signing me," he said.

The 24-year-old, who has played 19 times for the Iranian national team after being captain at Under 16, 21, and 23 levels, has already repaid some of the transfer fee, having scored the second goal in Iran's 2-1 victory over Al Sadd in the Champions League opener.

"That was my first goal for Esteghlal and I am so happy to have had the chance to score for my team in such an important match," he said. "The club and my teammates have done a great job in supporting me in so many different ways."

Khatibi was already catching the eye of clubs outside of the Islamic Republic before he joined the 13-time Iranian champions and he feels that his record-breaking deal highlights the continuing development of the professional game in the soccer-crazy Persian nation.

"I believe that this is a sign of progress in Iran's professional football and somehow shows more respect to the players and their real value," said the forward, who had a spell in Germany with Hamburg during the 1999/2000 season.

"We are still in the early stages of professionalism but I can assure you that soon you will hear more about contracts of higher amounts."