Mehdi Mahdavikia [Frankfurt]

[Trim]

Eintracht Frankfurt are reportedly in negotiations to sign Hamburg midfielder Mehdi Mahdavikia.

The Iran international's contract with Hamburg expires in the summer and it appears his days at the AOL Arena are numbered as he is yet to receive a new deal.

The 29-year-old joined Hamburg in 1999 from VFL Bochum and his impressive performances on the right wing quickly established him as one of the best wide players in the league.

However, a series of injuries and a loss of form over the last few seasons saw him struggle to establish himself in the Hamburg first team.

It is understood that the player is now seeking a move away from the club and believes Eintracht could help him to resurrect his career.

If the negotiations are successful, Mahdavikia could be joined by Hamburg team-mate Collin Benjamin, who is also a target for Eintracht.

Sky Sports - The Best Sport Coverage From Around The World

[Oliver_Kahn]

He is a good squad player at HSV, it would be better for him to join Frankfurt

[Trim]

Bundesliga outfit VFL Wolfsburg have expressed an interest in signing Hamburg midfielder Mehdi Mahdavikia.

The Iranian international's contract is set to expire this summer and it is not expected to be renewed.

Earlier this month, Mahdavikia was linked with Eintracht Frankfurt, but the 29-year-old now looks to have options when he leaves Hamburg in the summer.

Wolfsburg manager Klaus Augenthaler stated his desire to bring the player to his club.

"He is a versatile player who can operate on the right, in front and at the back," he said.

"He has very good pace and technique which suits our team. He's an intelligent player and could contribute a lot to the club."

Sky Sports - The Best Sport Coverage From Around The World

[Trim]

Would be a good reinforcement for Wolsburg.

[Sundance]

Yes, he would. I've always liked him and if he leaves it will be a bit strange to see him in another uniform after so many seasons at Hamburg. 8)

[Oliver_Kahn]

He is probably sick of being a reserve, he played many years at HSV as a starter, while they were a mid table club, now HSV are one of the strongest teams, so he has too much competion.

A move to a smaller club would be ideal for him

[Trim]

Hamburg SV have told their Iranian star Mehdi Mahdavikia that he has to do more if the club is to offer him a new contract.

The 29 year-old joined the Bundesliga outfit in 1999 and his contract expires after the current campaign ends.

It is not decided yet if the right-sided player will stay.

He scored the winning goal in last weekend’s vital win against Wolfsburg but Director of Football Dietmar Beiersdorfer told the club’s website that more of the same is needed.

"I think we played well during the second half, and created plenty of chances, which we failed to take. After Mehdi Mahdavikia put us ahead we allowed Wolfsburg to pin us back in our own half,” he said.

When asked about Mahdavikia’s contract situation, Beiersdorfer said the following:

“We have talked to his agent and we exchanged views. We made it perfectly clear that we expect more from Mehdi. He showed what he is capable of against Wolfsburg.”

Goal.com - Germany - Hamburg Tell Kia To Do More

[kyan]

I wish he'd come to the Premiership, one of Iran's greatest and one of the first to move to Europe.

[Trim]

Iranian international star Mehdi Mahdavikia has been at Hamburg SV since 1999. The club’s longest-serving player, could, if rumours are to be believed, be on his way this summer when his current contract expires.

Kia gave the following interview to the Iranian media and it was translated by Iran Sports Press website.

Was your goal against Wolfsburg your most important goal of the season?

Yes, it was important because it was the only goal of the match to gain us three points against Wolfsburg. I'm very happy about it and mostly I'm happy because we managed to get three points out of this match.

But HSV is still in danger of relegation...

True, this is the first time there are only a few points separating Bundesliga teams from each other in the bottom half of the table. On the one hand, we can qualify for the Intertoto Cup and on the other, we can get relegated!!

The point difference between seventh and 18th is only ten points, so one win or loss will change the destiny of the team completely.

In the past few days, some German publications wrote about your transfer to Wolfsburg.

No, this is not true. Wolfsburg's manager in an interview with the German media, expressed his desire to sign me. I'm glad that in the past eight years my good performance resulted in several offers from different Bundesliga teams.

How do you see your future in Hamburg?

I have a moral commitment to Hamburg and to the last day of my contract at Hamburg, I will try my best for HSV club and Hamburg SV fans. The clear example is when I scored against a team that everyone speculated I will join soon.

But to prove my commitment and loyalty to HSV, I tried my best and will continue to do so till the last day of my contract here.

Would you prefer to stay at Hamburg?

Well, this is a professional football and a football player should think professionally regarding his career.I cannot beg HSV officials to extend my contract.

If I wanted to leave Hamburg for financial reasons, I would have left in 2003 when I had a lucrative offer from Schalke, but Hamburg is my favourite team. Specially that I'm very popular among Hamburg fans. When in the stadium they shout my name, I cannot think about leaving this team.

Unless HSV officials dont like to extend my contract, then in that case the situation will be completely different. Be sure that I will work hard for HSV's success until I have a contract with them.

Will Huub Stevens's temporary leave for Netherland have any effect on Hamburg's results?

The health of Stevens' wife has been a matter of concern for some time and two weeks ago, she had to go through 2-3 operations in the middle of the night. Her poor health caused Huub to leave immediately to Netherlands. We, in the team, made a deal to win our game against Wolfsburg to give Huub a positive spirit and we managed to do so.

How was Iran's game against Qatar?

Overall it was not too bad, but I cannot say we performed well. I think the reason was our players' fatigue and it was normal. Although in the first half alone, we missed 3-4 good goal opportunities.

We do not have any Friendly fixtures on designated FIFA days before Asian Cup.What do you say about that?

Unfortunately, FIFA's schedule does not enable our National team to hold any friendly game until June, although with our National team Officials' planning, they can set up couple of friendly games against top teams after the end of European season.
But our players play an important role here and they should keep their top form in their respective teams to be effective when they join the national team. In any case, we need a well planned organization for having a strong tournament in Asian Cup.

How do you see Iran's chances of Asian Cup 2007 Championship?

It's a very tough task. All the teams participate with great preparation and we are always among the top contenders for Asian Cup title but with the participation of Australia, our task to win the Asian Cup is very hard.

[Trim]

Mehdi Mahdavikia has denied reports that he is set to sign for Wolfsburg.

The Hamburg midfielder’s contract expires at the end of the season and it appears he will not be receiving an extension beyond the summer.

But, despite reports he is close to a move to the VW-Arena, the Iran international is adamant that he wants to remain at Hamburg.

“There is no truth in the story,” he told the Iranian media.

“The Wolfsburg manager told the German media he was interested in signing me, and that was about it.

“Hamburg is my favourite team. The fans are fantastic to me and I never thought of leaving.”

Mahdavikia did admit, however, that he may be forced to consider looking at other options.

“If the club chooses not to renew my contract, the situation will be completely different.”

Sky Sports - The Best Sport Coverage From Around The World

[Oliver_Kahn]

Moving to Wolfsburg would not be a good decision

[Trim]

...

Fazeli also had a few words to say on another of Team Melli’s unsettled men in the Bundesliga - Hamburg’s Mehdi Mahdavikia.

It looks likely that the 29 year-old will soon end his eight years at the club.

"Mahdavikia has offers from Germany, Spain and recently a team from French Ligue 1 put an offer for him on the table.

"Mahdavikia will decide on his new club within two weeks time. He has to first deal with HSV's relegation concerns before making any decision."

Goal.com - Germany - Agent: "Karimi And Mahdavikia To Decide Futures Soon"

[Oliver_Kahn]

It was a day he will never forget. Mehdi Mahdavikia got a rousing send off from the sell out crowd inside the AOL Arena, following the 4-0 victory over Alemannia Aachen in the final game of the season. The veteran Iranian international became a crowd favourite after joining HSV from Bochum in 1999. The winger will be playing his football elsewhere next season: "Of course I am sad to leave HSV after such a long and wonderful time here. The fans were always incredible to me, supporting me from day one. I can't thank them enough", said Mahdavikia after the game.

Huub Stevens brought on Mahdavikia to thunderous applause after 60 minutes for his final game in a HSV shirt. He caused havoc down the wing, much to the delight of the capacity crowd. It was an unforgettable day for the little winger, who deserved the superb send off he got on Saturday.

The team at hsv.de would like to wish Mehdi Mahdavikia and his family all the best for the future.

Thanks for the memories Meeeeehdi!

[kyan]

I hope he comes to England, I've never watched him play consistently but he's one of the best players Iran has ever produced (he'll always be remembered for that goal v USA in "98 ) & he was one of the first to play in Europe.

Any ideas where he's going?