Abou-Treika determined to carry on despite dip in form

The veteran playmaker insists he can still perform at the highest level, rejects calls to hang up his boots

Mohamed Abou-Treika admitted he is not at his best but remains confident that he can recapture the form that saw him lead Ahly and the Egyptian national team to a host of titles during the past seven years.
Some pundits called on the veteran playmaker, who is considered as one of Egypt's best ever footballers, to hang up his boots after a string of disappointing displays lately but he defied their calls.
“Criticism does not annoy me, as long as it is only restricted to footballing matters. I respect all opinions regarding my displays but what really annoys me when someone talks about something personal in my life,” Abou-Treika said in an interview with Ahram El-Reyady magazine.
“For example, the decision to retire is only mine, nobody has the right to interfere in it. There is no sober-minded player who will ruin his history just because he wants to carry on playing.
“I will not harm myself just because I want to play one or two more seasons. Once I feel that I can no longer perform at the highest level, I will retire immediately,” he added.
Abou-Treika, 33, has been one of the mainstays of a powerful Ahly side who have won seven Egyptian Premier League titles and three African Champions League trophies since 2004.
He also a played a key role in Egypt's African Cup of Nations triumphs in 2006 on home soil, where he scored the decisive penalty in the shootout victory over Ivory Coast, and 2008 in Ghana, where he notched the winning goal in the Pharaohs' 1-0 final win over Cameroon.
Cult status
Abou-Treika's precise and defence-splitting passes, dribbling skills, goal-scoring instinct and mild manners have earned him a cult status among Ahly's fans. However, he has been way past his prime this year, with consistent injuries seemingly taking their toll on his physical attributes.
“I can't deny that the age factor has an impact on my displays but it is not the only factor. Injuries have also hampered me, but I'm setting targets for myself, from which I can move on and regain my best,” he commented.
“I have to be calm to live up to the expectations of people and recover my known performances.”
Abou-Treika was left out of Egypt's squad for the Brazil friendly last month in Qatari capital Doha.
The seven-time African champions produced a lacklustre display, slumping to a 2-0 loss as Brazil enjoyed an easy ride.
Asked whether Egypt's poor display benefited Abou-Treika, given that new coach Bob Bradley could recall him, he said: “No, not at all. I just turned into a fan who wishes his country plays well no matter where I am.”
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