Ismaili's new goalkeeper Amer Shafie said that he will be ever grateful for Egyptian coach Mahmoud Al-Gohari. The Jordanian keeper said that Al-Gohari has always supported him. "Al-Gohari gave me the chance to feature for the Jordanian national team when I was just 19 years old," Shafie told FilGoal.com in an exclusive interview in Ismailia. "He also encouraged me to play abroad, which will really improve my game," he added.
Mohamed Sobhi has new competition Shafie was brought in to strengthen Ismaili's backline given the dismal form that goalkeepers Mohamed Fathi and Mohamed Sobhi had shown over the past few seasons. The Jordan international admitted Ismaili's offer was not the on Egyptian one he got. "There were previous offers from Masri and ENPPI, but negotiations with my former club Faisali stalled," he said. Shafie said he will try to do his best while Ismaili, noting that his ultimate goal is to play in Europe.