Karimi voted UAE player of the year

Abu Dhabi - Iranian striker of the United Arab Emirates' Al Wasl, Ali Karimi, was picked up as `player of the year 2004' here Saturday.

The playmaker-cum-scorer Karimi won 73 percent of votes of 100 top sports figures, which were registered by the daily Al Ittihad.

According to the paper, Al Ain's African player, Abu Bakr Sango, was the second best footballer with 10 percent share and Brazilian Giraldo, who play for Al Shabab stood third.

Karimi hit two in the Emirati league's final to help his side beat Al Ahly.

The Iranian, who won 2003 and 2004 `scorer of the league' trophies is on shortlist of European, Qatari, and Saudi teams.