Teymourian’s performance rakes in the offers

AFC - Upcoming Iranian star Andranik Teymourian is flooded with offers from European clubs after his powerful performance in the World Cup.

The 23-year-old Iranian of Armenian descent won hearts back home in Iran with his courageous approach and never-say-die attitude, and came close to scoring for Team Melli against Portugal in the match they lost 2-0.

And, Iranian fans were not the only ones sitting up and taking notice of the midfielder’s outrageous talent.

Speaking exclusively to www.the-afc.com, Teymourian confirmed that the club he currently plays for – Iran Pro League outfit Abo Moslem – had already been approached by several European clubs.

“My club has already received offers (for me) from the Bundesliga, Italy, Turkey and the Emirates,” said Teymourian, who has a one-year contract with Abo Moslem.

“The decision will be made by my club and I will be talking to them (Abo Moslem) shortly on this issue.”

“Going to Europe is a dream come true for a football player like me,” added Teymourian.

Teymourian started his football career at Tehran’s Ararat Club and, after a series of age group competitions, caught the eye in Iran’s third place finish at the Islamic Solidarity Games.

It was only a matter of time before he broke through to the senior ranks as coach Branko Ivankovic handed the promising midfielder his international debut against Libya last August. Since then Teymourian has made the defensive midfielder’s position his own in 10 starts for Team Melli.

“I always believed that I would be a regular player in Germany,” said Teymourian. “I trained hard and was inspired. When people say I got my chance because of injuries to Nikbakht Vahedi and Fereydoon Zandi it doesn’t matter as I would have been better prepared had they been fit.”

The midfielder said the key to his playing uninhibited football against vaunted rivals was his fitness. “I took great care about my sleep and food and worked hard on my fitness. I knew that I had to make the most of this opportunity.”

The Iranian refused to find fault with Ivankovic’s tactics at the World Cup, saying the team could have done better with a little bit of luck. “I regret our elimination. Tactical issues are none of my business. I am a player and should follow the rules. But I wish we were more lucky.”

The one abiding memory for Teymourian in this World Cup is decidedly the fierce shot which shook the woodwork in the match against Portugal. “Yes…it was offside but I enjoy it when I remember it. It was my biggest slice of action out there!”

“But the goodbye was as painful as it was untimely. I will never forget the moment when Farakki (Hossein; assistant coach) came to me and said ‘don’t cry…this is football, we should accept it…we can show our ability in next year’s AFC Asian Cup and in the 2010 World Cup. The world has not come to an end’.”