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Gulf-News - The decision to overlook talented Iranian footballer Ali Karimi for the ‘Best Player in Asia’ award upset thousands of Iranian fans. The AFC’s choice did not go down too well with Karimi either.
Many believed that the award, which went to Japan’s Shunsuke Namamura, rightfully belonged to Karimi due to his Asian Cup exploits.
Compensation, however, was at hand when Karimi shared the Golden Boot with Bahraini striker A’ala Hubail, each of them scoring five goals.
Karimi served enough evidence of his talent during the Asia Cup by becoming the only player to score a hattrick in a match, against South Korea. Thanks mainly to his efforts, Iran earned a place in the semi finals and eventually third in the tournament.
“The Asian Cup is now in the past. We have to look forward,” said Karimi, who plies his prodigious talent for Dubai club Al Ahli in the UAE soccer league, to the Gulf News.
According to Karimi, “Our main target is the 2006 World Cup in Germany. I didn’t play with Iran in the 1998 World Cup in France. Any footballer would hope to play in the World Cup and I hope we can qualify for 2006.”
Ali Karimi signed a two season deal with Al Ahli in 2001. He helped his club win the President’s Cup in his first season. He subsequently renewed his contract for a further two seasons helping his club win the President’s Cup in 2004 and finishing runner-up in the UAE league.
The gifted striker professed his love for playing in Dubai and for Al Ahli club saying, “I have received many offers during the last summer from different clubs in the Gulf and European countries, but I love staying in Dubai and play for Al Ahli.
“In addition, the club officials are doing everything to make me comfortable. I have not faced any problems with them. They give me anything that I ask for. I am pleased and content.”
Karimi then shed some light on the contrasts in playing football in Iran and the UAE. “The players in Iran face a lot of problems off the field. In the UAE it is different. The club provides an excellent atmosphere for the player thus allowing him to do his job properly and without any pressure...unlike in Iran.”
Karimi said that Al Ahli faltered at the final hurdle when chasing the league title to Al Ain. “They (Al Ain) were Asian Champions and league title holders. We fought hard, but were unlucky. And don’t forget that we lost the title to a stronger team. Al Ain have excellent players and most of them are in the UAE national team.”
The skilful striker was hopeful that his talented countryman and attacking midfielder Ali Redha Wahidi would play alongside him this season. “He is one of the best players in the Iranian team and Estighlal club, but unfortunately injuries have prevented him from joining Al Ahli. “
Karimi suggested that implementing professionalism in UAE football would help develop the game. “If UAE players turn professional, it will be good for them and the club. The player can comply with club rules and the clubs will have more control over them. Currently the UAE players are amateurs and therefore unaccountable.”
Early years
Karimi began playing football at the age of five in one of Tehran’s many quarters.
The evidence of his early talent prompted him to be drafted in the youth team of Naft club. After a stint there, he joined Sayba club and then Fat’h club.
Karimi’s passion with football ensured that he would not have a proper education. From the Fat’h club, the gifted Iranian joined Pirouzi, one of the biggest clubs in Iran. His talent blossomed there and at the age of 21, he became talked about as one of Iran’s most gifted footballers. From 1999, a place in the national team was ensured.
In 2001, Karimi left Iran’s Pirouzi and signed up with Dubai’s Al Ahli club. Sources claimed that his two year deal was worth one million dollars (Dh3.675 million). He renewed his contract again for two more seasons last year and this time the figure could have spiralled to $1.6 million (Dh5.88 million). He is currently in his fourth season with the Dubai based club.
A family man at heart, Karimi is cautiously optimistic on his sons becoming footballers in the future. “It’s up to them to decide if they like football or any other sport.”
Karimi claimed that he intends to stay with Al Ahli. His decisions would be formalised in July 2005 when his contract expires.
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