GOAL - Fulham midfielder Andranik Teymourian has said he won’t be the next in an increasing line of Iranian footballers returning to their homeland, insisting he intends to stay in Europe.

“I am determined to stay in Europe and I don’t want to return to Iran,” he is quoted as saying by Iran Sports Press.

The former Bolton midfielder is out of favour at Craven Cottage and is yet to make a single Premier League appearance for Fulham this season.

“Gaffer Roy Hodgson prefers to use the other players at Fulham and I can't stay at Craven Cottage. I am sure I am going to have bright days in European football."

The 26-year-old was heavily linked with a move away from London in the winter transfer window but admitted a lack of interest in his services.

“I wanted to join another team in the winter break but I didn’t receive a good offer,” he said.

Finally, the Iranian international revealed he was looking forward to the 2011 Asian Cup and tipped Team Meli to prevail in Thailand.

“We have already qualified for the 2011 Asian Cup and will play Thailand without any pressure. I believe that Iran is even able to claim the title of the 2011 Asian Cup championship,” he concluded.

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