Afghan footballer Zohib Islam Amiri wants Indian Super League transfer despite interest from Middle East

Former Afghanistan international Zohib Islam Amiri has set his sights on playing in the Indian Super League (ISL), despite having several offers on the table from the Middle East.

The 27-year-old is a well-known figure in Indian football, having already impressed for Mumbai FC in the I-League - another prestigious football league in India – from 2011 to 2014. He has had spells with Dempo SC, DSK Shivajiansa and Chennai City in the last few seasons in the I-League.

Amiri also has the experience of playing in the ISL as he has already played for FC Goa when Zico was their manager. His ability to play in the defence or in the holding midfield position, coupled with pace made him one of the players liked by the Brazilian legend.

The defender has his family in India and he revealed that he feels "comfortable" in the country, which has made him prefer a move to ISL over a club in the Middle East.

"I have got a couple of offers in the middle east and also am in discussion with two ISL Clubs. My first priority will be ISL," Amiri told IBTimes UK.

"India has become a home away from home. I am so comfortable in this country with respect to language, food, people etc. I have my family here. So, all in all, I love playing in India."

Amiri is currently a free agent as he decided to part ways with Chennai City following the end of the last season of the I-League. The Afghan defender remains confident that he can be a "huge asset" for any of the ISL clubs in the upcoming season.

"I am in the best shape of my life, so if given a chance I can without a doubt say I will be a huge asset to an ISL club," he said.

The defender has seen the transformation of football in India, including the inception of the ISL. He remains confident that the sport in the country is on an upward trajectory.

"I have been playing in India for a number of years now, the change in Indian football has unfolded in front of me. I first played in the I league and then later in the ISL," the versatile player explained.

"The transformation has been phenomenal in terms of International players, competition, crowds, marketing, the stadium look and feel. I can confidently tell you Indian football is on an upward trajectory."