Rehman joins Hong Kong's Kitchee

Former Fulham defender Zesh Rehman has joined Hong Kong champions Kitchee Sports Club on an 18-month deal after a spell in Thailand, the player himself announced on Twitter.

Rehman, who is British-born but plays for Pakistan at international level, made English football history in 2004 when he became the first Asian player to start for a Premier League club by playing for Fulham against Liverpool. He was later sent on loan by the west London side before joining QPR, Brighton & Hove Albion and then Bradford City, earning himself a reputation as a solid centre-back on the field and vocal anti-racism campaigner off it.

His move to Kitchee follows a year with Thailand's Muang Thong United, managed by Liverpool great Robbie Fowler. "Looking forward to getting started with new club Kitchee SC in Hong Kong. Massive thanks to all the MTUFC FANS and people of Thailand," Rehman tweeted on Thursday.

Kitchee, defending champions of Hong Kong's first division, field a mixture of local and overseas players and will hope Rehman's signature can help them to a strong run in this year's AFC Cup, a pan-Asian tournament. Hong Kong football has been in the doldrums since its heyday in the 70s as fans turn their attention to televised Premier League games.

Clubs have recently tried to spur interest in the league with high profile signings, including that of former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt who had a brief, and reportedly lucrative, spell with South China FC last season.