A new app aimed to help footballers overcome language barriers has been created by Zesh Rehman.
The UK born Pakistani international defender is currently playing for Muangthong United in Thailand but found difficulties in communicating on and off the pitch.
Commentating upon the launch, alongside former Liverpool legend and current team mate Robbie Fowler, he said: “Hopefully with this application they will find the transition a little smoother and be able to successfully translate their thoughts and communicate in the native language of their new country, to make their experience more enjoyable and rewarding.
"Throughout my career I have encountered many challenges, I have always tried to find a way over, under and around any potential obstacles. In the past I have overcome physical and mental barriers in the game but for the first time I was presented with a verbal one.
“After much thought and deliberation I thought of the application. It will not only help me but also future players, fans, families, coaches and agents who go from country to country to sample what the beautiful game has to offer.”
Football talk costs £1.99 and currently includes French, German, Portuguese, Spanish and Thai.
Other languages are due to be added in due course. Apart from helping to translate basic day to day phrases it is also designed to converse with team mates, supporters and the media.
Former Liverpool and England striker Robbie Fowler, who has recently joined Rehman in the Thai Premier League, has also been impressed.
He said: "Football Talk is a great idea to help any player with the language regardless of what stage of their career they are at. It’s helped me pick up the basics a lot quicker here in Thailand than I would have so I'm lucky to have Zesh's app at my disposal. I'm sure it’s going to help many more players in the future."
Thailand’s Head Coach Winnie Schäfer is also a fan and revealed he would be recommending Football Talk to coaches “all over the world”.
The App can be downloaded at http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/football-talk/id465244265?mt=8
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here