Ali Karimi announces retirement

Persianfootball.com – TEHRAN, After the loss of Persepolis in the Iranian Hazfi Cup final, Iranian veteran playmaker Ali Karimi announced his retirement from football.

There had been much sepculation about the 34-year-old’s future recently, with a transfer to the UAE being on the table, but Karimi had announced that his wish would be to retire at Persepolis.

However, it was expected that the former Bayern Munich man would add another season with the Tehran giants, also to finish the 2014 World Cup campaign with Iran’s national team.

Although Karimi has not played for Team Melli since a friendly match last autumn, he was a regular invitee, even when sidelined injured, because national team boss Carlos Queiroz favoured his presence in the national team even when unable to play.

With veteran Moharram Navidkia, who retired from national team football four years ago due to health problem, a possible replacement could be available. The 30-year-old Sepahan playmaker recently announced his willingness to return to Team Melli and reportedly already met with Queiroz’s assistant Omid Namazi.

Three stints with Persepolis, three seasons in Bundesliga

Ali Karimi joined Persepolis from Fath Tehran in 1998 and soon emerged as Iranian and then Asian superstar. After joing UAE’s Al Ahli in 2001, he transferred to German giants Bayern Munich, where he stayed for two seasons before returning to Iran in 2008 after an unsuccessful stint in Qatar.

After playing for Persepolis and Steel Azin in IPL, Karimi reunited with former Bayern coach Felix Magath in Bundesliga again, joining Schalke 04 for the second half of the 2010/11 season, but only earning two caps there.

Karimi finally returned to Persepolis in 2011.

Ali Karimi played 127 games for Iran’s national team until today, scoring 38 goals in the process, thus ranking third among the most capped Iranian players as well as the top international goalscorers.

The magical midfielder had retired from national team football twice in 2008 and 2009, but each time returned to Team Melli.

2004 Ali Karimi was honored as Asian Footballer of the Year.