Ali Karimi’s popularity in the UAE, specifically among the Al Ahli supporters, is well rooted and you will seldom find Karimi forgotten.  Youngsters and children wear Karimi’s number 8 jersey to-date when visiting the team’s stadium and the football community speaks of Karimi’s departure with regret.

Mohammed Mattar, Al Ahli Club’s Executive Manager, expressed in an interview with the Abu Dhabi based newpaper Al Ittihad: ‘ Karimi’s departure is not only a loss for Al Ahli but has also left the UAE football with a lamenting void.

Karimi’s achievements during his 4 years in the UAE league include: 
2 time winner of the Cup
2 time Best Foreign Player in the UAE National League
Top Scorer of the UAE National League

Translation: Kasra Asrar Haghighi