Hamburg's Ivica Olic eyes move, MLS among potential destinations

Out-of-favour Hamburg forward Ivica Olic would consider a move to Major League Soccer in January as he seeks first team football in the season preceding Euro 2016.

The Croatian veteran rejoined Die Rothosen in last winter's transfer window, following spells with Bayern Munich and Wolfsburg, but he's been used sparingly this campaign with just five ineffectual league appearances from the bench.

"It's a fact that for the first time in my career I sit on the bench. It's been like at Bayern, but only when I returned from injury," Olic told Hamburger Morgenpost via ESPN FC. "That's the difference."

Before linking up with Hamburg again last January, Olic discussed transfers to the Middle East and the United States, but instead opted for his old club, which he helped retain its Bundesliga status with the hard running he's famed for.

Given how things have turned out so far in the 2015-16 season, he regrets his sentimental decision to rejoin the north German outfit.

"I listened to my heart back then," Olic explained. "I love the club and the city. I call the president my friend. But if I had known how things would turn out, I'd have left for the United States."

Hamburg's winter break begins after the Dec. 19 hosting of Augsburg, and Olic would like to have the decision on his future made by then.

"I am still highly motivated, and know that I can play at the highest level," Olic insisted. "If my situation does not change in the next four, five weeks, I will need to make changes.

"Then I will leave Hamburg. Maybe for the United States, or maybe join another league. Maybe I'll stay in the Bundesliga. The chances are 50-50."

Despite turning 36 in September, Olic is still a mainstay in the Croatia national side. With the Euro 2016 finals next year, the former CSKA Moscow man is keen to keep it that way.