Pashazadeh joins Rapid Vienna

Persianleague
- Jul 01, 2003
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PFDC - Iranian defender Mehdi Pashazadeh has signed a one-year contract with an option for another season with Austrian club Rapid Vienna. The 29-year-old, who had a disappointing season as Esteghlal Tehran's teamcaptain, already participates in Rapid's training camp in lower Austria.

Pashazadeh, who was one of Iran's heroes defeating the USA at the 1998 World Cup, so far showed his abilities in three test match performances for Rapid. The former Bayer Leverkusen and Fortuna Köln player left a good impression both as defensive midfielder and as central defender organizing the defense and also scored one goal.

Rapid Vienna, who desperately look for a second quality forward to lineup with local hero Roman Wallner, have reportedly shown interest in Esteghlal's gifted striker Ali Samereh. However, the club is intensively trying to sign forward Mohammad Akagündüz from relegated club SV Ried. In case this transfer doesn't happen, Samereh's chances of coming to Austria will be very high.

Meanwhile Pashazadeh is the fourth Iranian player ever playing in Austrian Bundesliga after Mehrdad Minavand, winning the Austrian Championship, the Austrian Cup and reaching the second stage of the UEFA Champions League in three seasons with Sturm Graz, Farhad Majidi, scoring two goals for Rapid Vienna in 2000 and Ali Latifi, who barely played for Admira Wacker due to injury problems in 2001/2002.

Rapid Vienna finished fourth in last year's Austrian Bundesliga season, failing to qualify for the UEFA Cup. Pashazadeh is the club's fourth new signing for the new season after former Austria Vienna and Leeds United defender Martin Hiden, midfielder Martinez and young defender Burgstaller.

SK Rapid Vienna's official homepage (German only)


SK Rapid Vienna's official homepage (German only)
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