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Iran international Ali Karimi to leave Perspolis at the end of season
May 3, 2012 4:15:00 AM
The former Bayern Munich and Schalke attacking midfielder has had a frustrating 2011-12 season in Tehran and now is reportedly set for a move to Malavan, USA, India or Qatar
Veteran Iran international Ali Karimi has declared he will leave Persepolis at the end of this season.The 33-year-old former Bayern Munich attacking midfielder spoke to reporters after Tuesday's disappointing 1-0 AFC Champions League (ACL) home loss to Al Hilal which instigated fan protests after a poor 2011-12 season.
“My contact will expire at the end of the season and I am not going to renew it,” Karimi told reporters after the Al Hilal defeat.
“Persepolis could have been beaten with six goals, so we were lucky in this match. I will leave the team and the officials can sign better players than me."
According to Iranian reports, Karimi, who joined Persepolis in June last year after a spell with Schalke, could move to Malavan or abroad to India, USA or Qatar.
The nine-time Iranian champions have endured a difficult 2011-12 season, where they sacked unpopular coach Hamid Estili in December with the side languishing in midtable.
The Tehran giant's place in the Round of 16 remains unassured, while their domestic form has been poor this term as they currently sit 11th with two games to play.
Karimi added: "I just ask fans to tolerate us for these three or four matches and hopefully next year Mr Ruyanian (Persepolis' general manager) will make a dream team.
"This year was a total nightmare for Persepolis and I hope that they tolerate us in these last few games and next year they will see their dream team. There is no need for me."
Recently Persepolis denied there was a rift between Karimi and current coach Mustafa Denizli.
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