Iran star Karimi seals Bayern move
 |  Bayern recruit Karimi collects his trophy in Kuala Lumpur in December |
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MUNICH, Germany -- Bundesliga champions Bayern Munich have signed Asian Player of the Year Ali Karimi who becomes the third Iranian to try his luck at the German giants.
The Asian Footballer of the Year agreed a one-year deal with the option for an extension until 2007 after joining on a free transfer from United Arab Emirates club Al-Ahli Dubai.
Karimi, 26, has scored 32 goals in 87 appearances for his country and the attacking midfielder will arrive in Munich on July 1.
"Ali Karimi is a fast and deadly offensive player. He is Asian Footballer of the Year and an interesting player for Bayern Munich," said Munich coach Felix Magath.
Karimi, whose move was reported by Iranian television in Teheran earlier on Tuesday, is the second 'newcomer' for next season, Germany defender Philipp Lahm returning from a loan spell at VfB Stuttgart.
Karimi follows compatriots Ali Daei and Vahid Hashemian in playing for Munich who clinched their 19th German championship with a 4-0 victory over Kaiserslautern on Saturday.
Daei has long departed and Hashemian is set for a summer move after just one year.
