AL-AHLI FORUM - UAE

The following is the translation of an exclusive interview of Karimi by Al-Ahli forum.

Karimi’s Profile:

Full Name: Mohammad Ali Karimi

Birthdate: November 8, 1978

Marital Status: Married and has 2 children, Havash and Harsa

Hobbies: Playing Basketball and Volleyball

Best game played with Iran: vs. Korea in Asian Cup 2004, and vs. Bahrain in Asian Cup 2004

Best game played with Ahly: vs. Sharjah when Ahly won 4-1 and won the Cup

Favorite Goal: His second goal vs. Korea in Asian Cup

Best Friend With Ahly: All of them, but prefers to stay with Ahmad Shah

Favorite Teams: AC Milan, Portugal, Argentina, and doesn’t like Brazil

Favorite Players: Luis Figo, Zinedine Zidane, Pavel Nedved

Interview:

Ahly Site: Tell us about Karimi, the father

Karimi: It’s a big responsibility to be a father, we are 4 people in the family, I have 2 children, and I’m trying everything I can to ensure them a great future. Karimi, as a father is very kind with his family

Ahly Site: Will you allow your children to continue your glorous career:

Karimi: Yes, I will allow them, and the first and last decision is they want to play returns to them. If it was playing soccer, or playing any other sport

Ahly Site: What does Al-Ahly mean to you?

Karimi: At the moment I consider Al-Ahly by second home, and I always do my hardest to make them better, and I would like to thanks the officials of Ahly Club for they gave me everything I needed and didn’t be selfish one bit on me. I thank them

Ahly Site: What does Al-Ahly club lack in your opinion

Karimi: Some foreigner players with a high playing level


Ahly Site: What’s the best management you ever worked with

Karimi: With all honesty, I think Sa3adah Qasim Sultan is the best management I ever worked with until now

Ahly Site: Do you predict al-Ahly winning any tournaments this year:

Karimi: My dreams and money with Al-Ahly still remains, and Al-Ahly are capable of winning a tournament, but we musnt’ forget that the soccer world is unpredictable!

Ahly Site: You’ve received many offers from around the world after the stunning performance you put with your country, so where will Karimi play after this season with Al-Ahly?

Karimi: I am staying with Al-Ahly as of now, and talking about this issue isn’t the right time, however I promise when I receive anything new it will reach you

Ahly Site: The sports street says that Al-Ahly is nothing without Ail Karimi, and also when the player Bekaham (Beckham  ?) saw the match of Al-Ahly he said that the team depends on Karimi and Salim Khamees, and if they’re injured, Al-Ahly is finished

Karimi:
Football is a team game, and we are one of the teams that play with great teamwork, as for my brothers Salim Khamees and Faisal Khaleel, I think they’re capable of playing against the best teams, as they have great skill

Ahly Site:
We’re not seeing the Karimi that we used to know this first round of the League, what are your reasons for the sub-par performance?

Karimi: A player doesn’t always perform great, personal and fitness factors always can trouble a palyer, sometimes he can play excellent, and sometimes underperform, and I personally play to help the team

Ahly Site: Your started off the league with a hat-trick against Al-Shabab?
Ali Karimi: That was a great game for me, but I couldn’t have done anything without my team mates

Al Ahly: What do you think of the newly bought player Kabeero

Karimi: It is too early for me to talk about his performance and capabilities

Al-Ahly: What do you think of the coach, Platchi?

Karimi: Blatchi is one of the best coaches in the area, and I’m sure my brothers in the management chose the right person. And me as a player and student, respect him and any decision he has to make

Al Ahly: When did your football career begin?

Ali Karimi: I started playing football when I was 5 years old, in the alleys of Tehran, and then I joined Al-Nafet club, and I was in the youth team and from there my football career began, then I moved to Saipa Club, and then to Fatah, and then to Pirouzi. And in Pirouzi, I made my name big, and I was 21 years old then. And I started playing with Iran in the yaer 1999. I wasn’t able to participate in the World Cup 1998, but however I will be present with the team this time in Germany 2006

Al-Ahly: You were chosen as the best player against Japan in the Asian Cup, and you were also nominated as the Asian Player of the Year, and you scored a hat-trick against against Korea, what can you see about the dazzling performance you put on then?

Karimi: Truly, I was at a high level of play and fitness that tournament, and I was thrilled to know that people were convinced with my performances in those games

Al-Ahly: What do you think the Iranian team lacks?

Karimi: Planning, and a good administration, and sufficient funding. An Iranian player faces a lot of problems compared to a UAE player, the club makes you feel comfortable in UAE, and they pay for airline trips for example


Al-Ahly: Karimi, you were banned by the IFF for along time once, what were your feelings towards this (can someone explain this to me, thanks)

Karimi:

It was a very strict ruling, and it’s a lesson I’ll never forget in my life!

Ahly: Who motivated you to become a player?

Karimi:
I can’t really specify anyone, although my love and passion towards the game is a main reason

Ahly:
A decision you made you’ll regret all your life

Karimi: I had the chance to join several clubs in Europe, however I hesitated and saw the chance blow away

Ahly: A decision you made that you definatley don’t regreat

Karimi: Joining Al-Ahly Club


Ahly: What did football give and take from you

Karimi: Football gave me love towards the game, however it took away from me my university education

Ahly: What is the dream that Karimi wishes to fulfill?

Karimi: It is to be an honorable and honest person always towards my friends, and to my fans

Ahly: A message you’d like to send to Al-Ahly Club?

Karimi: I would like to offer my full thanks to the Officials of the club, for their great support and their ongoing motivation towards us.

Ahly: A message you’d like to send to Ahly fans?

Karimi: I wish for them happiness and success, and I ask god to not let me see sorrow on their good faces. And I hope happiness always find your hearts

Ahly: A message to the Forum fans

Karimi: To offer us full support, and try their best to get what they want out of the club’s success.