Moment of truth for Asian Maradona

IRIB - Football fans in the Islamic Republic of Iran have been raving about midfielder Ali Karimi for some time but the gifted midfielder now has the chance to showcase his talents on a bigger stage after a summer move to Bayern Munic h.

The 26-year-old Karimi was a cut above playing for al-Ahli in Dubai but he has opted to leave the comfort zone by signing a renewable one-year deal with German champions Bayern.

"I had four good years in Dubai but I had the chance to play for Bayern and I had to take it," insisted Karimi.

"This a huge opportunity for me."

Asian player of the year Karimi has won over 80 caps for Iran and his tally of 32 goals has seen him labelled 'the Asian Maradona' - in reference to Argentina's 1986 World Cup hero Diego.

Karimi has always played down the comparison but he now has the chance to show that he is not another overhyped star.

Bayern have had experiences with Iranian internationals in the past with striking pair Ali Daei and Vahid Hashemian disappearing without a trace.