Esteghlal defender Samuel looks forward to new challenge

TEHRAN,Jan.11(MNA)-- Esteghlal defender Jlloyd Samuel said that he joined the Iranian team, looking for a new challenge. Jlloyd Samuel joined Esteghlal on a five-month deal for an undisclosed fee last week. "It was through a friend who had the contact, I had a look at it and it seemed to add up for myself. Obviously it's a new challenge, something out of the ordinary but I'm willing to take that chance,” the 30-yer-old told Sky Sports. "They are one of the biggest clubs in Iran, they have 100,000 people watching their derby games and the fans here are unbelievable really," Samuel added. Samuel will be reunited with former Bolton team-mate Andranik Teymourian in Esteghlal. The Iranian midfielder has been out of action after breaking his toe against Shahrdari of Yasuj. "When I was at Bolton Andranik talked about it quite a bit and he's playing here now but he's injured at the minute," said Samuel. "I did have options to stay in England, and I had offers from quite a few teams abroad but for me this is a new challenge and a chance to enter the Asian market,” he added.