Zesh Rehman has today announced that he will appear for Pakistan in the upcoming qualification fixtures in Malaysia for the 2012 AFC Challenge Cup. Pakistan face arch rivals India before fixtures against Turkmenistan and Chinese Taipei for the right to compete in The Asian Cup in Australia in 2015.
Rehman’s last competitive match for the National side was a Word Cup qualifier game back in October 2007 when he put in a commanding performance in the goalless draw against then Asian champions, Iraq.
Rehman, who signed a two year deal with Thai Premier League Champions Muangthong United in January after 10 seasons of professional football in England said: “I have missed playing on the international stage.
“I have had 1000’s of messages from fans wanting me to return to the team which is nice.
“It’s always an honour to represent Pakistan but now it is more practical now to come and play to due my current location.
“I’m very excited about joining my team mates and help us climb the world rankings”.
The 27 year old added to his impressive list of ‘firsts’ by becoming the First British Asian to play in the Thai Premier League and the First Pakistani International to play in Thailand.
Rehman continued: “The club is very supportive and are happy for me to play for Pakistan.
“They know how much it means for me to represent my country. I want to one-day be the manager of the national side”.