Mahdavikia named "Player of the Week" in German Bundesliga

IRNA - The bi-weekly Kicker Sports magazine named Monday Iranian forward Mehdi Mahdavikia "Player of the Week" in the German Bundesliga following his superb performance in Hamburg's 4-0 rout over lowly Nuremberg. 
The magazine cited Mahdavikia's goal and his role in the other three goals as the prime reason for its choice. 
It quoted Mahdavikia's teammate Milan Fukal as saying that "Mahdavikia was the only star on the field." 
The ex-Pirouzi striker had made it clear earlier that he would leave Hamburger SV should the team fail to qualify for a berth in the European Cup competitions. 
"If we play internationally, I will stay with Hamburger SV. There would be no reason to leave," he was cited as saying in the German media. 
Hamburg is currently ranked fifth in the league standings which would qualify them for a UEFA Cup spot. 
Meanwhile, Mahdavikia's manager, Reza Fazeli, has postponed all contract extension negotiations until the end of May when the Bundesliga season ends. 
Several English football clubs, among them powerhouse Manchester United, are reportedly keen on signing Mahdavikia. 
Since Mahdavikia is known to be the best right-winger in the Bundesliga, Hamburg's coach, Kurt Jara, has repeatedly voiced his concern that the speedy forward could be signed up by other top 
European teams after his contract expires in the summer of 2004. 
Mahdavikia is currently leading the Bundesliga assist list and has played a decisive role in his team's recent string of victories. 

*Mahdavikia to stay at Hamburg: German agency 

IRNA - German news agency DPA announced on Sunday that the international right winger of Iran, Mehdi Mahdavikia, will extend his contract with the Bundesliga-bound club SV Hamburg at the end of season. 
The 26-year-old Mahdavikia told Chabar agency that he would definitely not move within the Bundesliga. He also said that the rumors circulating in Iran that he would be moving to Manchester United were unfounded. 
"My goal at the moment is to help Hamburg qualify for European football next season. Everything else will be decided at the end of the season," he said. 
Hamburg is presently fifth after beating Nuremberg 4-0 on Saturday, with Mahdavikia scoring one of the goals. 
A local sport spaper had earlier said that Mahdavikia, who has a contract until 2004, will only remain in Hamburg if the club plays international football next season.