As promised, then the interview, in english, with English / Pakistani Zesh Rehman

Name: Zesh Rehman
Date of birth: 14/10/1983
Position: Centre Back
Career (including youth academies): Fulham-ING; Brighton & Hove Albion-ING; Norwich City-ING; Queens Park Rangers-ING; Blackpool-ING; Bradford City-ING

English by birth, Zesh Rehman, pakistani descendent, chose the national team of his parents. Even in the face of difficulties of the Pakistani with the practice of soccer, in this exclusive interview to Plano Tático, Rehman hopes local soccer improve and is willing to use the experience acquired at English soccer at the service of the Green Shirts.

Pakistan

You were born in Birmingham, England, right? What kind of relation do you have with Pakistan? Do you have family there?

My parents were born in Pakistan, we would occasionally visit family when I was younger, other than that I do not go back there very often.

Pakistani national team

What are the reasons why you decided to become a Pakistan citizen? Why have you chosen to play for Pakistan national team instead of England?

I was in the England youth set up but decided to play for Pakistan to have a pro longed international career rather than play the odd game. Hopefully it will inspire the next generation of kids growing up here to play for Pakistan, I believe England should be their first choice but if that fails at least they have another option of International football.

You defended Pakistan national team in the 2010 World Cup Qualifying Round, against Iraq, right? What can you tell about your teammates about their quality?

We drew 0×0 with Iraq in the second leg, a team that had defeated Australia in the previous stages of qualification. I think in time some of my team mates for the national team will be good enough to play in league 1 and the championship in England.

Pakistani soccer

What are the most difficulties, you think, soccer in Pakistan has? How is the infrastructure there?

 The infrastructure needs to improve, the coaches need to study the game in Europe and America and get tips and advice on different styles of play from other continents.

What local soccer needs, in your opinion, to improve and fight for better places in World Cup Qualifying, for example?

The players need to play abroad in other countries and spread their wings to learn how others play. A solid league system would benefit the country hugely.

All national team’s players who were born in Pakistan defend local clubs. Why don’t they go abroad? What prevents them, in your opinion, from such international experience?

I think it comes down to expense, there are no guarantees in football so it would be very costly, however if the player believes in his ability he should take that step

What the most popular sport in Pakistan? This sport has good infrastructure?

Cricket is by far the most popular and has a very sound infrastructure, football needs to copy that.

In what players who defend foreign clubs, like you, can help the national team?

The more players playing in different countries can offer invaluable experience to the national team that can only benefit the game

Why do you think the national team’s coach called foreign players? Isn´t it forbidden?

The coach called the players to help win games; it’s as simple as that. At the end of the day they are Pakistanis but living in a different part of the world.

I realized that population in Pakistan wasn’t excited about the match against Iraq. Only 2500 supporters were at the Punjab Stadium, which has a capacity of 10.000. Can the population help in the improvement of Pakistani soccer?

Yes if the team improves I believe the numbers will increase.

England

Your first Professional club was Fulham, a Premier League club. How was the feeling of playing in Premier League? Against what five star players have you played?

It was a great feeling and one that I had worked very hard for, it was the beginning of a journey in the English game which I am loving. I was fortunate enough to play against Henry, Drogba, Shearer, Rooney, Kluivert and all the top teams such as Manchester Utd, Liverpool, Arsenal, Chelsea etc.

What prizes have you won in English soccer?

I helped Brighton gain promotion in 2003-04, played in all the professional league in the country and managed to scoop plenty of awards along the way, like Bradford City Club Captain (2009-10), Football League Player In The Community Award (2010), Asian Football Network Ambassador (2006) etc.

Do you intend to end your career in an England club? Have you ever received offers to play outside of England? If positive, why didn’t you accept them?

I would not rule out a move abroad one day, it can only improve me as a player and person; I have had offers to play in the Scottish Premier League, something that I would not rule out in the future. I enjoy the atmospheres in the stadiums in England; the passion of the fans is what makes the game so great here.

Bradford City

Bradford plays in League Two, the fourth level of English soccer. What the club expects for this season, 2010-11?

We hope to get promoted, last season’s experience of being club captain will hopefully hold me in good stead for this season.

English Bid for World Cup

Did you received the invitation to be one of the ambassadors of English World Cup bid, right? How was the feeling to being part of it?

 It was a great honor to be on the list of 50 players from this country, it shows that I must be doing something right so ill keep working hard on and off the pitch every day.

Charity

I open the space to you to present the charity institutions you participate.

I am involved in the Princes Trust Charity, Children’s Today Charity and, Mosaic which is run by HRH the Prince of Wales. I have also launched my own charity. The zesh Rehman Foundation (Zesh Rehman Foundation) to help provide opportunities to better themselves through football.

Zesh Rehman at Queens Park Rangers, in 2007-08