Gulfnews - Iran's
defensive lynchpin Mohammad Nosrati has advised attacking midfielder Ali
Karimi to stay at Bayern Munich.
Speculation has reached fever pitch about Karimi's future since his
arrival in Dubai with Bayern Munich to play in the Dubai Cup tournament,
with Al Ahli rumoured to be close to re-signing their former star.
But 53-cap veteran Nosrati thinks his international teammate should stay
put. "We've heard the rumours but I doubt it's going to happen because
Karimi is under contract with Bayern until the end of the season," he
said.
"I don't think it would be a good idea for him to leave at the moment -
a good player like him can always turn it around."
Nosrati, who celebrates his 25th birthday today, believes Iran will be
one of the favourites for the Asian Cup.
Disappointing show
Victory in the tournament would help erase some of the memories of last
year's disappointing World Cup.
Nosrati said: "We have always been one of the main contenders in Asia
and last time we were third, but had problems with refereeing decisions.
We've definitely got a big chance this year.
"It's thanks to tournaments like the Dubai Football Challenge that our
younger players can emerge and show their talents because usually in
friendly matches, the coaches blood youth.
"Even stars like Mehdi Mahdavikia started under similar situations and
they all worked their way up to teams like Hamburg.
"Iran is always improving and on the way up when it comes to the quality
of players and I do think it's going to get better."
