Karimi should stay at Bayern: Nosrati

Gulfnews - Iran's defensive lynchpin Mohammad Nosrati has advised attacking midfielder Ali Karimi to stay at Bayern Munich.

Speculation has reached fever pitch about Karimi's future since his arrival in Dubai with Bayern Munich to play in the Dubai Cup tournament, with Al Ahli rumoured to be close to re-signing their former star.

But 53-cap veteran Nosrati thinks his international teammate should stay put. "We've heard the rumours but I doubt it's going to happen because Karimi is under contract with Bayern until the end of the season," he said.

"I don't think it would be a good idea for him to leave at the moment - a good player like him can always turn it around."

Nosrati, who celebrates his 25th birthday today, believes Iran will be one of the favourites for the Asian Cup.

Disappointing show

Victory in the tournament would help erase some of the memories of last year's disappointing World Cup.

Nosrati said: "We have always been one of the main contenders in Asia and last time we were third, but had problems with refereeing decisions. We've definitely got a big chance this year.

"It's thanks to tournaments like the Dubai Football Challenge that our younger players can emerge and show their talents because usually in friendly matches, the coaches blood youth.

"Even stars like Mehdi Mahdavikia started under similar situations and they all worked their way up to teams like Hamburg.

"Iran is always improving and on the way up when it comes to the quality of players and I do think it's going to get better."