TEHRAN Charlton Athletic has named Iranian international midfielder Karim Baqeri "Zinedine Zidane of Asia." Zidane is a Juventus playmaker, whose two goals won the World Cup final for France against Brazil two years ago.

"Baqeri's great physical ability and superior technique was very apparent in the Asian Cup in Lebanon," Charlton Athletic said after an interview with Baqeri.

Baqeri, who plays for Charlton Athletic had commented on his experience in England and said that he is working hard to become a starter in Charlton's first team and that he would use the mustered experience in England to convey to the Iranian young players in the future.

Asked on his being the first Asian player who played in the English Premier League in the match against Ipswich Town, he said that it was clearly an honor for him. He said he was just trying to satisfy his coaches, expressing hope to become a door-opener for other Asian players to start their career in England.

"I am honored to have Iranian fans in both Iran and England, but I will do may best to attract fans from England, too," he was quoted as saying.

(IRNA)