Mainz coach Thomas Tuchel says the club will miss Mohamed Zidan ahead of the new season after the Egypt forward decided not to sign a new deal.

Earlier this summer, Zidan rejected a one-year contract from the Bundesliga outfit where he spent the second half of last season.

Now Mainz have begun their pre-season without the 30-year-old, who played a vital role to keep the club at the top flight with seven goals last term.

“There is no question that Mo has been exceptional for Mainz during and also before my time,” Mainz boss Tuchel said.

“He had the lion's share in helping us end the season quietly and secure survival. And we are very, very grateful to him.”

Tuchel added that the disagreement over a new deal was because Zidan requested a two-year contract while Mainz made a shorter-term offer.

Zidan is Mainz's all-time leading goalscorer in the Bundesliga throughout his three distinct spells.

The 30-year-old, who played for Werder Bremen, Hamburg and Borussia Dortmund, is currently looking for a new club as he may well leave the Bundesliga.