Mahdavikia returns from injury layoff

AFC - Iranian international forward Mehdi Mahdavikia has returned to action for German Bundesliga side Hamburg SV after being sidelined for six month following back surgery.

Mahdavikia appeared in his first match since February when he came on as a substitute during Hamburg's 6-0 victory over amateur side FC Schonberg in the German Cup.

The 25-year-old right winger was clearly happy to back on the pitch after being out injured for such a long period.

"I hate injury. It is one of the worst things in football. When you are healthy you are fine. You run, fall, tackle, defend and shoot. When you are injured though, you feel weak, your eyes burn with the pain of handicap until you begin to cry. You cannot do anything and you miss a million things," said Mahdavikia to Iranmania.

“When I walked onto the pitch after my recovery for the first time, I felt reborn. I was a bird freed from his cage. My heart began beating fast. I can't describe how I felt."

Hamburg coach Kurt Jara was pleased by Mahdavikia's performance. "Considering that this was his first match (since his back surgery), his performance was pleasing as he was looking for the one-on-one situation. He has also caught up with the team," said Jara.

Another Iranian player who was in action in the German Cup on Sunday was Vahid Hashemian, who scored a goal in VfL Bochum’s 3-1 win at Erzgebirge Aue.