Ivankovic: "Karimi joining a Professional team will benefit National team"

After confirmation of the news by Bayern, Branko Ivankovic said: "This is a great news for Iran's Football. Specially with the deal occuring before World Cup 2006 games, playing in Bayern Munich will have tremendous effect on Ali Karimi's playing style."

He continued: "Karimi is one of my key players and his team practices with Bayern's top players will eventually benefit national team."

Branko added: "Now that he's joined Bayern Munich, he does not have to join National team couple of days ahead of the games, as I am confident he practices in the best conditions and his physique will improve to ideal. Bayern Munich is a professional club and they will provide the best conditions for Ali Karimi's improvement and he too by practicing in such club will play better than before."