Mahdavikia joins Damash of Gilan

MNA – RASHT, Iran Professional League newcomer Damash of Gilan has signed free-agent Mehdi Mahdavikia on a one-year contract.

Former Steel Azin player was interested in joining Persepolis but Tehran-based team’s officials didn’t call him in.

“Persepolis is my home, but I think the team’s officials don’t treat Persepolis legends well. I’ve never talked about the financial issues with Persepolis officials but I just wanted to return to the club where I had a real good time.

“From now, I will not talk about Persepolis issue and I wish the team best,” Mahdavikia said during a news conference on Monday.

The 33-year-old player started his football career with Persepolis in 1995 and joined Bochum after three years.

One year later, Mahdavikia moved to Hamburg and played seven years for the Bundesliga team. Mahdavikia, known as the Carpet for his ability to “magically glide past”, played 208 times in Hamburg and scored 26 goals.

He joined Eintracht Frankfurt in 2007 and then left the team in 2010 to return to the domestic league. Steel Azin signed Mahdavikia but the team was relegated from the Iran Professional League.

Mahdavikia has won 111 caps for Iran football team and scored 13 goals.