Interview with Ali Karimi

Karimi: It wasn't necessary to get the 8 but I wear it in the national team and also wore it in my previous clubs, a little bit superstition plays however a role. Magath gave me the chance to wear 8 since Frings who wore it last year left the club.

M-O: Your call precedes you to be among the three best players in the world.

Karimi: It's nice when people say that but I don't see it that way. First I need to gain experience and prove myself here.

M-O: Until now you were playing your football in Dubai. Usually you enter the UAE league in the end of your carrier not when it is at its peak.

Karimi: I choose to play in Dubai since I had no other offers to choose from. However the four years that I spent there were four good years. Now that I got the chance to play in Bayern I had to take it.

M-O: We have seen from your trainings and the friendly games that you are a very skilful player. Where did you get your skills?

Karimi: I have practiced a lot with my trainers and listened to their advices. Also I have God to thank. However I see myself as a team player that is a part of a team and I try to dribble only when I see the opportunity to do it.

M-O: When u received the offer from FC Bayern, which players were you familiars with in Bayern?

Karimi: I could almost mention all of the players. To mention a few of them, Oliver Kahn, Michael Ballack, Mehmet Scholl and Schweinsteiger. Ballack is one of the players I look up to next to Figo and Zidane.

M-O: In training you scored five or six goals in a row and your team mates applauded you. Though we don't know yet if we should look at you as a striker or as an offensive midfielder?

Karimi: It was five goals and it made me happy to see the guys enjoy it. I'm more of a midfield player but I can play as a forward as well if the coach wants me to.

M-O: What is the biggest adjustment for you here in Germany?

Karimi: The weather and the training.

M-O: You are not seen as a player with the greatest stamina.

Karimi: I have the feeling that I can keep up with the rest. When you pass this heavy part you will be well prepared for the rest of the season.

M-O: Ali Daei and Vahid Hashemian, two of your compatriots, played in Bayern but neither were successful.

Karimi: They are great players of our country. Maybe they didn't have the luck on their side. With God's help I will do my best.

M-O: Iran has qualified for Germany 2006 - Your expectations?

Karimi: Our goal was always to qualify but now with the help of God we want to go far in the tournament.