HSV to release striker Mahdavikia

Berlin - Mehdi Mahdavikia has no "great perspectives" at Hamburger SV if he chooses to stay with the north German Bundesliga club, the daily Hamburger Morgen post quoted HSV Coach Thomas Doll as saying Saturday.

Pointing to possible growing discontent among former HSV starters like Goalie Martin Pieckenhagen, Argentine striker Bernardo Romeo and Mahdavika, Doll said, "there will always be unhappy players. If someone is unhappy, we can talk about it. But no one is allowed to infect other people with his discontent."

"This applies to everyone. I will especially talk with those players who do not have a great perspective," added Doll, referring also to Mahdavikia.

Hamburg's team management has put up the speedy Iranian striker for sale, citing his poor performances last season.

Mahdavikia reiterated his strong opposition to what he termed a "forced transfer".

"No one in Hamburg can force me to a transfer. I have a contract with Hamburg until 2007 which I will also fulfill," he said earlier.

Mahdavikia's football future at the north German club appeared to have come to a premature end, after Hamburg signed top Ajax star Rafael Van der Vaart.

Asia's player of the year 2003 has struggled all season to land a starting place with Hamburg despite his superb performances with the Iran's national team in their Asian world cup qualifying bid.