Berlin, Jan 22, IRNA --
Iranian football superstar and Hamburg forwar Mehdi Mahdavikia declined an
ivitation to join the national squad in its upcoming match against
Slovakia, as his German club is facing a crucial first division match
against FC Kaiserslautern, the daily Die Welt reported in its Tuesday
issue. "On that day we (Hamburg) are playing against Kaiserslautern. That's more important," the 24-year-old striker stressed. "To play for Iran is an honor, but Hamburg is after all my employer and pays my salary," the 24-year-old striker said. Mahdavikia also referred to his three-month abstinence from the club as a result of Iran's long World Cup qualification campaign, arguing it had cost him his position in Hamburg's starting formation. "First I was not there and then I was injured," Mahdavikia tries to justify the decision by new Hamburg coach Kurt Jara to bench him following his return from the national team. "The coach had to get to know me first," he said. Mahdavikia, however regained some of his earlier confidence, after strong showings at the end of the first half of the Bundesliga season and during test matches in the winter break, indicating his determination to become once again a regular starter in Hamburg. "I don't make demands... I fight for my place in the team and I always give everything," Mahdavikia added. |
Mahdavikia turns down invitation for Slovakia game
- Persianleague
- - Jan 22, 2002
Latest News
- 10-man Iran runners-up at 2025 CAFA Nations Cup [VIDEO]
- Munir El Haddadi Joins Esteghlal
- Iran held by Tajikistan at 2025 CAFA Nations Cup [VIDEO]
- Iran defeat India in 2025 CAFA Nations Cup [VIDEO]
- Inter Milan & Iran Star Agrees Two-Year Contract With Olympiacos
- Iran defeat Afghanistan in 2025 CAFA Nations Cup [VIDEO]
- Iran Coach Ghalenoei Names 27-Man Team for 2025 CAFA Nations Cup
- Ex-Iran Captain Dejagah Named Lusail Assistant Coach
- Sepahan lose to Al Duhail in 2025/26 ACL Elite preliminary stage [VIDEO]
- Tractor win 2025 Iran’s Super Cup [VIDEO]