Winger Mahmoud Abdel-Razeq, better known as Shikabala, has completed a one-season loan move to Apollon Smyrni from Egyptian giants Zamalek, the Greek club announced on Wednesday. "Born on March 5, 1986, he is a physically strong player and has played for Zamalek, PAOK, Basel, Sporting Lisbon, Ismaily and Al Raad. He was signed on loan from Zamalek," Apollon said on their Instagram account. The move ends a heated summer for the 32-year-old, who fell out with the club's outspoken chairman Mortada Mansour following the World Cup in Russia. The future of Shikabala came under intense speculation after he was deemed surplus to requirements at the club. He was part of Egypt's squad for the World Cup but did not make any appearances. His professionalism was also questioned by Mortada Mansour, who accused Shikabala of late return to the club after the World Cup. The speedy winger, who made his debut with Zamalek in 2001 at the age of 16, is blessed with incredible ball control and dribbling skills, plus a powerful left foot that often left defenders and goalkeepers bamboozled. Seventeen years later, Shikabala's journey with the national team has not left a mark, despite his potential. He has only managed to play 31 games for Egypt, winning the African Cup of Nations title in 2010 albeit without making a major impact. Probably one of the most wasted Egyptian talents, he also didn't play a minute in this year's World Cup, Egypt's first appearance in the tournament since 1990. His long career has also been marred by disciplinary problems and personal troubles, despite having the chance to shine early in his career with some European clubs such as PAOK and Sporting Lisbon. But recently, he has managed to redeem himself with some fine displays with Saudi team Al-Raed, and an experienced Shikabala earned back his place in the Egypt squad after almost three years of absence. He got his first international cap under former coach Hector Cuper last November for a World Cup qualifying clash at Ghana, scoring Egypt's only goal as the already-qualified side held the hosts to a 1-1 draw. Shikabala had an impressive stint last season with Al-Raed, scoring nine league goals and providing four assists. Apollon Smyrni ended the Greek league last season in the 14th place; escaping relegation to the second division. Shikabala will be the fourth Egyptian player in the Greek league along with PAOK FC's midfielder Amr Warda, Olympiacos striker Ahmed Kouka and former Zamalek teammate Basem Morsi, who currently plays on loan at AEL club. (For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
