It has been widely reported that the two legends of Iranian football fell out during the 2006 World Cup while playing for Team Melli in their dismal campaign in Germany.
Daei, who is now the coach of Persepolis, Karimi’s former team, has dismissed those suggestions and told the Wizard of Tehran to come home.
Karimi, who like Ali Daei has played for Bayern Munich, left Persepolis in 2009 to sign for Steel Azin.
The 31 year-old has impressed for the newly-promoted team but recently suggested that he wouldn’t be averse to a move back to the capital in time for the 2010/11 season.
“We really never had problems with each other in the past” Daei told Goal.com. “Whatever happened was due to a misunderstanding.”
“We need players that can impact and want to play for Persepolis. Of course I would like for Karimi to play for us. This is his home.”
Persepolis are currently in fourth in the Iranian league, a point and a place above Steel Azin.