Interview: Mehdi Mahdavikia

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.