CAIRO: In the wake of a board meeting on Monday, the Reds officially reaffirmed that they are not ready to sell or loan 30-year-old Mohamed Abou-Trika at any price. The Ahly playmaker is unlikely to leave the African champions, despite "offers from English and Arab clubs, the club said, especially that the player himself was loath to leave. "The football committee and the board have come to a decision that Ahly are not ready to sell Abou-Trika, a statement on Ahly's official site read. "We insist on keeping our star despite huge offers from Arab and English clubs. "The board was eager to meet with the player, appreciating his vital role at the club and his contribution to several trophies in recent years. "We understand the player has the right to play abroad, as we stress the club's need for his services. But the strong bond between Ahly and Abou-Trika settled the issue. Ahly's decision comes amid serious interest from Saudi champions Hilal, who launched an official bid to borrow the Egypt ace for one year. Other reports claim that the deal fell apart when Ahly demanded an additional ?1 million to the original offer that was said to be £3 million. The player had refused to comment about the issue during a press conference in Japan while participating in the Club World Cup. "No comment, I'm only here to talk about the game, Abou-Trika had said following the Adelaide game. However, the official Middle East News Agency (MENA) reported that Abou-Trika shed a few tears when fans receiving him at the airport upon his return from Japan implored him not to leave Ahly. -Additional reporting by Daily News Egypt
