Birmingham City Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1875
• Manager:Chris Hughton

• Ground:St Andrew's
• Capacity:30,016

Zarate relishes Blues chance

01 Apr 2008 - 08:28:46

Click To Enlarge

Birmingham City loan star Mauro Zarate has claimed that several other Premier League clubs were interested in bringing him to England, before he chose to join the Blues.

The 21-year-old Argentinian has impressed since arriving at St Andrew's for Al-Sadd in Qatar, netting two goals in the crucial 3-1 victory at home to Manchester City at the weekend.

Zarate said: "Birmingham were the first club to come in for me and the ones who pushed the hardest to get me out of there.

"Once I knew Birmingham wanted to sign me, I did my best to convince the Al-Sadd owners.

"There were other clubs interested just before I signed here. From England, there were Tottenham and Newcastle, but I am very happy with my choice. Maybe here I have the chance to play more regularly.

"I am here to make my mark and make people remember me. I will give my best to make sure that happens. English football is quick and physical, but that is not a problem for me.

"I knew the chance to come to Birmingham was very important. After speaking to Al-Sadd a few times and pushing them for a move to England, they agreed to let me go."