Mahdavikia prefers Hamburger SV

IRIB - Mehdi Mahdavikia said he is ready to stay on at German Bundesliga club Hamburger SV beyond 2007, the daily Die Welt reported Friday.

The 29-year-old international footballer, who joined Hamburg in 1999, will now look to justify an extension to his contract which expires in 12 months' time.

"HSV is my favorite club. I would like to stay here," said Mahdavikia who reportedly earns 2.3 million euros a season.

Mahdavikia who is now the oldest player on the team, stressed he was willing to lead some of the younger HSV players. "We have many young players who may occasionally need help. I will always be there for them," he said.

Hamburg will open the 2006/7 Bundesliga season at home against Arminia Bielefeld on August 12.