Bryan Robson believes Zesh Rehman will only improve by moving to Thailand.

Eyebrows were raised when Rehman last month ignored interest from other clubs in England to leave City for Thai champions Muangthong United.

But according to former Bantams boss Robson, it would be misguided to dismiss the standard of the Thai Premier League.

Robson, the current Thailand national manager, said: “Muanthong are the biggest club in the country. They are backed by Thailand’s biggest company [Siam] and have won the championship in the last two years.

“They made it to the semi-final of the Asian Champions League, which was a great achievement. Eight of the squad for the national team come from Muanthong, including two of my first choice central defenders.

“Playing in Thailand is by no means a step down. He will have to compete. The Thai coaches demand a high work ethic.

“He will not get any preferential treatment just because he has come from England and he has had experience of the Premiership (with Fulham). There is no pampering of players over there. He will be treated just like everyone else.”

Rehman made 71 appearances for the Bantams before leaving following a public disagreement with Peter Taylor.

Rehman said: “You can say Muangthong are the Man United of Thailand. They are a big club with a modern 25,000 seater-stadium and have training facilities, which are on par with clubs in the Premier League and Championship.

“I have played in all four English divisions and I wanted to experience a new challenge. The club is a regular in the Asian Champions League and I am excited at the prospect of playing in such a competition.

“I will be 29 when my deal comes to an end and I believe the experience of playing abroad can only be a positive one. You can never say what will happen in the future but I will keep all my options open.”