HSV's Mahdavikia rejects forced transfer

IRNA - Iranian international Mehdi Mahdavikia reaffirmed his strong opposition to a "forced transfer" after Hamburger SV sports manager Dietmar Beiersdorfer told him to search for a new club.

"No one in Hamburg can force me to a transfer. I have a contract with HSV until 2006 which I will also fulfill," the former Persepolis star was quoted as saying.

Mahdavikia's football future at the north German club appears to have come to a premature end, after Hamburg signed Ajax star Rafael van der Vaart for the coming season.

Asia's Player of the Year 2003 has struggled all season to land a starting place with Hamburg despite superb performances with the Iranian team in their Asian World Cup qualifying campaign.

Mahdavikia, who is in his sixth HSV season, earns around 2.3 million euros a year.