Egyptian aid convoy heads toward Gaza as humanitarian crisis deepens    Egypt, South Africa pledge to deepen development cooperation at G20 meeting    Egypt's PM orders road maintenance review, tougher penalties to curb accidents    Egypt, Novartis explore expanding collaboration in oncology, cardiology    Iran launches mass deportation of Afghans amid spying allegations    EU, China agree on rare earths, climate but divisions remain on trade, Ukraine    Association of Real Estate Developers seeks urgent meeting over threatened land deallocation on Northwest Coast    Midar partners with Adeer to develop Boulevard project in Mostakbal City with EGP 70bn investment    Over 60 million visits recorded under Egypt's Women's Health Initiative since 2019    Culture minister launches national plan to revive film industry, modernise cinematic assets    Thailand, Cambodia clash on new front as tens of thousands flee    Sudan's ambassador to Egypt holds reconstruction talks on with Arab League    UK pay settlements stagnant amid inflation surge    I won't trade my identity to please market: Douzi    Sisi calls for boosting oil & gas investment to ease import burden    Egypt welcomes 25-nation statement urging end to Gaza war    EGX to close Thursday for July 23 Revolution holiday    Egypt, Senegal sign pharma MoU to unify regulatory standards    Two militants killed in foiled plot to revive 'Hasm' operations: Interior ministry    Egypt foils terrorist plot, kills two militants linked to Hasm group    Egypt, Somalia discuss closer environmental cooperation    Giza Pyramids' interior lighting updated with new LED system    Egypt's EHA, Huawei discuss enhanced digital health    Foreign, housing ministers discuss Egypt's role in African development push    Egypt, Uruguay eager to expand trade across key sectors    Egypt reveals heritage e-training portal    Three ancient rock-cut tombs discovered in Aswan    Sisi launches new support initiative for families of war, terrorism victims    Egypt expands e-ticketing to 110 heritage sites, adds self-service kiosks at Saqqara    Egypt's Irrigation Minister urges scientific cooperation to tackle water scarcity    Palm Hills Squash Open debuts with 48 international stars, $250,000 prize pool    On Sport to broadcast Pan Arab Golf Championship for Juniors and Ladies in Egypt    Golf Festival in Cairo to mark Arab Golf Federation's 50th anniversary    Germany among EU's priciest labour markets – official data    Paris Olympic gold '24 medals hit record value    A minute of silence for Egyptian sports    Russia says it's in sync with US, China, Pakistan on Taliban    It's a bit frustrating to draw at home: Real Madrid keeper after Villarreal game    Shoukry reviews with Guterres Egypt's efforts to achieve SDGs, promote human rights    Sudan says countries must cooperate on vaccines    Johnson & Johnson: Second shot boosts antibodies and protection against COVID-19    Egypt to tax bloggers, YouTubers    Egypt's FM asserts importance of stability in Libya, holding elections as scheduled    We mustn't lose touch: Muller after Bayern win in Bundesliga    Egypt records 36 new deaths from Covid-19, highest since mid June    Egypt sells $3 bln US-dollar dominated eurobonds    Gamal Hanafy's ceramic exhibition at Gezira Arts Centre is a must go    Italian Institute Director Davide Scalmani presents activities of the Cairo Institute for ITALIANA.IT platform    







Thank you for reporting!
This image will be automatically disabled when it gets reported by several people.



Filgoal.com Exclusive: Ambitious Abou-Treika still dreaming of European football
Published in FilGoal on 19 - 03 - 2006

Playing a pivotal role in Egypt's victorious campaign towards the African Cup of Nations title, Ahli midfielder Mohamed Abou-Treika is now keen on a move to Europe to improve both his game and bank account.
But no official bids were received by Ahli for Abou-Treika since the tournament finished in February which mounted question marks over the chances of the 28-year-old to make his dream come true.
Abou-Treika reveals it all in this exclusive interview with FilGoal.com.
Why didn't you receive any offers after the African Cup?
I believe that no club submitted offers for me because the winter transfer window in Europe has been already closed by the end of the tournament so any bids won't emerge till the summer.
Reports said there was a Spanish offer before the tournament, is this true?
No, it wasn't an offer. I was contacted by an agent who has close relationships with several Spanish clubs and he said he can arrange a move to La Liga but nothing serious took place ever since.
Why didn't you join Russian side Lokomotiv Moscow despite their serious offer?
Financial details were the stumbling block as Lokomotiv offered 2.7 million Euros but Ahli asked for a minimum fee of 5 million Euros. They opted then to go for my Egypt team mate Amr Zaki who signed for only 1.7 million Euros.
Why did Ahli asked for this huge fee?

Abou-Treika (L)
Because Ahli wanted me to stay at least until the end of the season upon the request of head coach Manuel Jose and I respected this decision. However, I wish they let me go in the summer.
Will the Portuguese manager agree to let you go?
It is not about me in particular, he just wants to keep all his team members especially with increasing numbers of offers submitted everyday for many players. But I will meet with him and explain how badly I need this move. I hope he can understand this.
Do you want to leave for the sake of money or football?
Frankly, for both of them. On one hand, I want to secure a luxurious future for myself and my family. On another, I want to improve myself and make history as one of the few Egyptian players who shined in Europe.
Can't you make your little fortune in Egypt?
Players in Egypt don't get paid as much money as people imagine and it can't be compared, by any means, with what a good footballer receives in Europe.
Did your visit to Germany for the ‘Game Against Poverty' affect your view to local football?
Of course, it did. Although it was a very short visit, I learnt a lot about what a real professional footballer does in Europe, how they live, train and play. It is completely different and I am really looking forward to go for this challenge.
You are closing on 29, do you think there is a chance to play in Europe?
Yes, I am sure I can join a big European club. Many European agents are still interested in me and I hope Ahli will agree on one of the offers that I am expecting in the off-season.


Clic here to read the story from its source.