Uzbekistan captain Server Djeparov says he is willing to listen to offers to continue his glittering career in the A-League.
The two-time Asian Player of the Year is out of contract following the expiry of his deal with South Korean outfit Seongnam FC, where he spent the last two seasons.
While keen to stay at the K-League club, the creative midfielder said he knows all about the A-League thanks to his former teammate at Seongnam, Western Sydney Wanderers defender Brendan Hamill.
“He spoke to me a lot of times about Australia, how it is here, football and life,” the 32-year-old said.
“I know everything.
“Of course, if there are offers for me, I will (look) at them.”
For now, Djeparov’s immediate priority is leading Uzbekistan for Wednesday night’s crunch clash against China at Suncorp Stadium.
The winner of the battle between the joint Group B leaders will take a huge step towards qualifying for the Asian Cup quarter-finals.
The White Wolves scraped past North Korea 1-0 on Saturday and are regarded by some as the dark horse of the tournament.
China, meanwhile, are in the same position as they were in the 2011 Asian Cup in Qatar following their upset victory over Saudi Arabia.
Back then, China were lauded after winning their opening game but then failed to make it out of their group.
False dawns are common for arguably Asian football’s biggest underachievers, but coach Alain Perrin is confident China won’t fall into the same trap this time around.
“We still need to focus,” Perrin said.
“If we want to move to the knockout stage, we need to play very well in the next two games.
“We have a very good plan … (and) we have had a very good preparation for this match, so I think we can have a good result.
“I think we are ready.”
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