Tehranchronicle - Mehdi Mahdavikia, the former player of Hamburger SV, played his last match against Sepahan FC in Iran’s Hazfi Cup final. However, Reds failed to claim the title and they defeated by Isfahanis. Mehdi was unhappy with the result, but he officially retired from football.

“I was really interested in ending my career with a cup. However, this didn’t happen. I’m really sorry for the spectators who came to stadium today.” Mehdi Mahdavikia said on Sunday. More than 85,000 fans joined Azadi Sports Complex in Tehran to encourage Persepolis.

According to local media reports, Iran’s Persepolis FC is in the middle of negotiations with Hamburger SV to hold a testimonial match for Mehdi. Mahdavikia had played for eight seasons for Hamburger SV. From 1999 to 2007, he appeared in 208 matches for the Bundesliga side football club.

Mehdi started his youth career in Bank Melli academy in 1991. He first played for Persepolis from 1995 to 1998. Mehdi moved to VfL Bochum on loan. After Bochum’s relegation, he signed for Hamburg where he stayed for the next eight seasons. In 2007, he joined Eintracht Frankfurt, but played in only 32 matches during three seasons. He finally came back to Iran in 2010, and moved to Steel Azin. On 4 July 2011, Mahdavikia signed a contract with Damash Gilan. In 2012, he returned to Persepolis FC.

Mehdi Mahdavikia also appeared in 111 international matches for Team Melli.