Khalatbari ‘honored to work under Diego’

TEHRAN TIMES – DUBAI, Iranian footballer Mohammad-Reza Khalatbari joined Al Wasl of the United Arab Emirates until the end of the season on Wednesday.

The attacking midfielder, who left Al Gharrafa after the Qatari team signed up a contract with his countryman Farhad Majidi, joined Al Wasl on a six-month contract for an undisclosed fee.

“Al Wasl is a great team and I know a lot about them. A number of fellow Iranian players have played well for Al Wasl and I hope to do the same and impress the fans and the coach,” the 28-year-old said.

“It is an honor to work under Diego Maradona and it still feels like a dream which has come true. I’m here to work hard and try to quickly gain a starting spot and win the confidence of the fans, management and, of course, the coach,” he added.

Khalatbari helped Iran’s Zob Ahan to become AFC Champions League runner-up in 2010, where South Korean Seongnam Ilhwa Chunma defeated them 3-1 in the final game.