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.
