Bayern: Karimi's Contract Won't Be Extended

GOAL - Bayern Munich chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge has confirmed that the club will not be extending Ali Karimi’s contract at the end of the present season.

In an interview with the German club’s official homepage, the ex-international star responded to a question asking about the Bayern’s new signings for next year - Jose Ernesto Sosa, Jan Schlaudraff and Hamit Altintop.

"All three newcomers will fit in well,”said Rummenigge.

“We've brought them in because we know we're losing players too. Mehmet Scholl is retiring, Hasan Salihamidzic is off to Juventus, and we're not extending Ali Karimi's contract. In this sense, we were obliged to do something."

The news is official comfirmation that the Iranian international will be on his way after two seasons in Bavaria.

The 28 year-old joined the club in July 2005 and after a promising first season, he has failed to secure much playing time since returning from the 2006 World Cup.

There has been interest in the 2004 Asian Player of the Year from Austrian leaders Red Bull Salzburg and former club, Al-Ahly of UAE.