TEHRAN - Iranian iconic football midfielder Ali Karimi joined Schalke 04 for the rest of the season.

Karimi, who was expected to join Iran popular Persepolis, penned a contract with the Bundesliga team, but details of the contract have yet to be announced.
Ali Karimi, known as the “Wizard of Tehran”, played under Felix Magath before in Bayern Munich from 2005 to 2007. He played for the German team 42 times, scoring four goals and four assists.
“We are happy to sign Karimi because he is an experienced player. Hopefully he will bring us more attacking football and strengthen our team,” 57-year-old Magath said.
Schalke is 11th in the Bundesliga standing table with 25 points.
Schalke has also hired club-less Greek Angelos Charisteas and Rosenborg's Ghanaian midfielder Anthony Annan.
The 32-year-old player has played 112 times for Iran football team and scored 36 goals.
Karimi has played for Tehran’s Persepolis, Al Ahli of the UAE and Qatar SC.