KARACHI, Dec 5: Promising Fulham defender, Zesh Rehman, who joined Pakistan training camp on Monday, said it was not only love of the country but what he called institutional racism which forced him to don green jersey. “Although I am here to feel the love and warmth of my people, actually it was institutional racism because of which I decided to play for Pakistan. They (British) simply don’t want Muslims to be in the English team. There was no chance for me to make it to the England squad.

“I played for England youth teams but I know they won’t let me go beyond that. They don’t want any Muslim or Asian to be in the England squad, thinking they are extremists or terrorists. They feel it would not be good to have them in the English side,” said an emotional Rehman in an interview with Dawn after arriving here from England.

Rehman strongly brushed aside press reports generated from England that he had offered his services to Pakistan Football Federation (PFF) on the condition that his Fulham assistant manager Steve Kean should be employed to help overhaul Pakistan soccer structure.

“It’s all rubbish. They are all made up stories. There is no truth. They do these things to misguide and as a propaganda,” a visibly unhappy Rehman said.

The Birmingham-born player of Pakistani descent having both parents from Karachi, said while he was willing to pull over green jersey, his parents were also the motivating factor and insisted him to play for Pakistan.

Rehman, who turned 22 on Oct 14, said since he was not able to represent England at senior level, it was also the attraction for playing international soccer which prompted him to join Pakistan ranks.

“As I knew there was no international career for me back in England, I chose to play for Pakistan,” the versatile player said after his first two-hour session at City District Government Karachi (CDGK) Stadium.

The English Premier League player said he would be looking forward to making debut for Pakistan, playing the opener against Sri Lanka at South Asian Football Federation (SAFF) championship on Wednesday. Although Rehman said he did not have fair idea about Sri Lanka’s prowess and other oppositions, he was all set to fire on all cylinders.

Rehman, who made Fulham debut as a substitute in the 1-0 defeat at Wigan in the League Cup in September 2003 and had his first Premiership start against Liverpool in April 2004, said he would love to be a role model for Pakistani and Asian players.

“I would love to take Pakistan to new heights. I believe I can make some difference and be a morale-booster for Pakistan soccer. I love to be a role model for Pakistani players and new generation. I am willing to do all I can to lift the soccer standards here.”

Asked how would he rate Pakistan, Rehman did not mince words in saying concerted efforts were needed to lift the sagging fortunes of Pakistan soccer through better infrastructure and promotion of the game at grassroots level.

“There is lot to be done. Pakistan needs better infrastructure, stadiums, training academies, schools, especially youth training. It is better to start playing soccer at age of five or six,” said Rehman, who hit the soccer field at the age of eight.

Rehman said better physique and fitness was the major difference between European and Asian soccer.

“The difference between Europe and Asia is physical. And then they have better infrastructure which also plays a role in European domination in soccer. I feel things will go in right direction slowly and gradually if we improve the facilities and start soccer training at grassroots level.”

Despite being born and bred in United Kingdom, Rehman says coaches from Asian or Gulf countries like Bahrain could be beneficial. “I just trained under coach (Salman Ahmed Sharida) today. He is good and tries to give technical input. I think coaches from Bahrain are not bad.”

“I feel comfortable in playing both as midfielder and defender. But if given choice, I will opt for defender,” said the player who has been praised by Fulham manager Chris Coleman for his skills.