Tasnim - Former Iranian national football team captain Ali Karimi has admitted he made a mistake leaving Bayern Munich.

Karimi joined Bayern Munich on May 2005 and left the Bavarian club in May 2007 to join Qatar SC.

“I made mistake not to extend my contract with Bayern Munich,” Karimi said in an interview with Iranian TV sport program Monday night.

“I could extend my contract but it didn’t happen,” former Persepolis midfilder added.

Karimi joined Schalke 04 in 2011 and was a member of the Gelsenkirchen side for six months.

Karimi further said that Raul Gonzalez was a major role model for him.

"If I'd met him sooner, my life would be different,” he added.

Ali Karimi hung up his boots in July. He is assistant coach of Iran football team at the moment.