Iranian ace Ali Karimi gets emotional farewell at Al Ahli Club

DUBAI - The management of Al Ahli Club held a farewell party for their foreign players Ali Karimi, Ali Zeitouni and Kabero at the clubhouse in Dubai yesterday.

The emotional gathering mainly focused on the Iranian player Ali Karimi who is heading to Germany to join his new side Bayern Munich with immediate effect.

Karimi has spent four years in Dubai during which he has successfully won with the club the President’s Cup on two occasions while finishing runners up to the national league’s champions Al Wahda two years ago.

Ahmed Eisa, vice-chairman of the Dubai-based club thanked the three players for their contribution towards Al Ahli, pointing out that although Zeitouni and Kabero were not that successful, but still they will be remembered for their dedication and good conduct.

“We wish them every success with their clubs back at home. We know they are both good players, but for one reason or another they were unable to make their presence felt,” he said.

Meanwhile, Ahmed Eisa said he feels at lost when it comes to Ali Karimi.

“I can’t express what I should say about this great player and gentleman. I feel confused and helpless,” he said.

Eisa said it is enough to mention here that when Karimi came to Dubai and showed his skills and capabilities, he received plenty of lucrative offers from clubs inside and outside the UAE, but he said he will never change his mind.

“They tried to lure him on various occasions with enticing offers, but he told them if he decided to stay in the UAE he will remain with Al Ahli, and if he decided to stay in the Gulf he would remain in the UAE,” Eisa said.

In the meantime, Karimi speaking in Farsi said that “he will never forget his friends and brothers in Dubai and will come every now and then to see them.

“I love Dubai,” he added.