Former LALIGA forward has revealed an unexpected twist in his career move to Iran, admitting he joined the wrong Esteghlal club in his quest to face Cristiano Ronaldo.
Thievy Bifouma, who has played for Spanish sides such as Espanyol, Almería and Granada, joined Esteghlal Khuzestan at the beginning of the campaign.
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The player mistakenly believed it was the Esteghlal FC – managed by Pitso Mosimane – that competes in the AFC Champions League alongside Ronaldo's Al Nassr.
Bifouma's decision was influenced by his desire to play against the Portuguese star before retiring.
"I had the chance to play in Turkey, but my wife did not agree to move back there. I wish to play against Cristiano Ronaldo before I retire," he told Tasnim News Agency per Sportskeeda.
"Considering that he is now in Asia and there was an opportunity for me to come to Iran, they talked to me about Esteghlal's offer and I reviewed the calendar of games and realised that they have a game against Al Nassr," the attacker added.
"I said to myself that this is where I wanted to go. I had no idea there were two teams named Esteghlal in Iran."
Despite the mix-up, Bifouma has made an impact at Esteghlal Khuzestan, recording three goals and two assists in nine matches.
However, his ambition to face Ronaldo remains unfulfilled, as his current side do not participate in the AFC Champions League.
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Esteghlal Khuzestan are currently above Mosimane's side on the table, sitting in seventh position after winning four of the 11 matches they have played thus far.