Iran's most expensive player Rasoul
Khatibi is looking to use the Group C matches in the AFC Champions
League the perfect platform to show that Esteghlal were right in
paying a record-breaking US$ 320,000 to secure his services from
Tehran rivals Pas.
"Being the most expensive player
in Iran at the moment does put a lot of pressure on me but I am trying
do my best for the team and to prove that Esteghlal didn't waste any
money in signing me," he said.
The 24-year-old, who has played 19
times for the Iranian national team after being captain at Under 16,
21, and 23 levels, has already repaid some of the transfer fee, having
scored the second goal in Iran's 2-1 victory over Al Sadd in the
Champions League opener.
"That was my first goal for
Esteghlal and I am so happy to have had the chance to score for my
team in such an important match," he said. "The club and my
teammates have done a great job in supporting me in so many different
ways."
Khatibi was already catching the eye
of clubs outside of the Islamic Republic before he joined the 13-time
Iranian champions and he feels that his record-breaking deal
highlights the continuing development of the professional game in the
soccer-crazy Persian nation.
"I believe that this is a sign
of progress in Iran's professional football and somehow shows more
respect to the players and their real value," said the forward,
who had a spell in Germany with Hamburg during the 1999/2000 season.
"We are still in the early
stages of professionalism but I can assure you that soon you will hear
more about contracts of higher amounts."
