Cardoso calls it a day

The 35-year-old has been a pivotal performer for Hamburg, but he has struggled to show his true form this term.

Last summer, Cardoso was persuaded to play on for another season, but it would appear as if a persistent knee injury has now prompted the former Boca Juniors man to call time on his career.

"It is sad to say goodbye but I can't find the way to keep on playing," he said. "I will play my game number 220 in Germany and I will hang up my boots."

Cardoso will continue his association with Hamburg as a youth coach and scout.

"I am very thankful to the officials of Hamburg for giving me the chance to stay in Hamburg and work for the club," he added. "It would have been too hard for me to leave football totally.

"I will work with the youngest players of the club and that is something that motivates me very much."

Hamburg, meanwhile, are said to be in the market for a defender and have trained their sights on Belgian international Daniel van Buyten.

Van Buyten is available for transfer from Marseille and is attracting widespread interest.

Manchester City would love to extend his loan stay but could be priced out of the market, a comment which could well apply to Hamburg.

Hamburg have been told it will take an offer in the region of ‚é¼10 million to land van Buyten and they could well be beaten to his signature by some of Europe's bigger fish.