Maradona comparisons 'ludicrous' says Iran star Karimi

BERLIN (AFP) - Bayern Munich's Iranian international midfielder Ali Karimi insist it is folly to compare him with Argentina's 1986 World Cup hero Diego Maradona.

The 26-year-old Karimi has been labelled 'the Asian Maradona' in his native Iran but the Bayern midfielder, renowned for his mesmerising dribbling, is embarassed by the tag.

"How can you compare me with Diego Maradona?" Karimi said in an interview with daily Bild. "That is simply ludicrous. Maradona is a star in the football heavens."

Maradona is widely regarded as one of the greatest footballers of all time with his performances at the 1986 World Cup - when he almost single-handedly inspired Argentina to the title - pushing him into the football hall of fame.

Karimi is an unknown quantity in Europe but a move to Bayern from Dubai side Al-Ahli has raised his profile and given him the chance to showcase his talent at the highest level.