Peter Taylor today insisted that Thailand-bound Zesh Rehman has not left Valley Parade on a sour note.
The former club skipper is heading for the Far East to join Thai champions Muangthong United.
Rehman’s departure comes just over a fortnight after he was stripped of the club captaincy by Taylor and put on the transfer list for criticising the manager on the radio.
But the City chief has made it clear there is no ill-feeling with the defender – and will be happy to keep in touch with him.
Taylor said: “Zesh came in to tell me he had an opportunity to go to a club abroad. He said a few things he should have said before and we shook hands.
“As far as I’m concerned, and I hope it’s the same with Zesh, it won’t be a sour finish.
“We had a bit of a disagreement at the time regarding his radio interview. We can’t hide the fact that I disciplined him because that’s the truth.
“Zesh let himself down on that occasion and he regrets that. But I’ve never said that he isn’t a great professional and he’s been very good for Bradford.
“I don’t particularly want to lose him. He’s been very handy for us but I couldn’t honestly guarantee him a first-team place.
“He has got to do what he wants and Zesh looks at it as an exciting opportunity somewhere different.
“But he’s leaving on good terms and has said he really wants to carry on ringing me up now and then for advice.”
Rehman played 71 times for City, scoring twice, and was praised for his off-the-field contribution.
Last season he received the PFA player in the community award for his work with the local Asian population and he has set up his own academy.
The Pakistan international joined the club initially on loan from Fulham in January 2009. He made the move permanent that summer, taking a pay cut to sign a two-year deal.
But Rehman found himself in and out the side once Taylor took over from Stuart McCall ten months ago. His last appearance was in the 1-0 defeat at Wycombe on November 13.
Rehman said: “It is sad to be leaving Bradford as I have very fond memories of the club and the city. The fans have been great and I would not rule out a return to England in the future.
“I met the (Muangthong) club officials over the weekend and my gut feeling was to sign. I have been made to feel very welcome by everyone and there is an extremely professional set-up.”
Muangthong have won the Thai Premier League for the past two seasons.
Formed in 1989, they are one of the richest clubs in the country and are backed by a group of private investors. They recently unveiled a link up with Atletico Madrid in Spain.
Rehman’s first involvement will be in the Asian Football Confederation Champions’ League which takes place in Malaysia in February.
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