Ahli star defender Wael Gomaa made headlines in the last week of August when he traveled to England, searching for a mega move to any of the Premiership clubs that were reportedly chasing him. However, Ccntradicting news came from London as Gomaa said he trained with Newcastle and Blackburn, then Arsenal's and Tottenham's names surfaced but in the end he returned to Ahli. The saga, though, does not seem over yet. The Egypt defender claims in an exclusive interview with FilGoal.com that he is still wanted in England and that a deal with a top-flight side is likely to be reached in January. How did this all start? An English agent got me an invitation from Blackburn Rovers to go on a trail period. Unfortunately, this offer came when (starting defenders) Emad Al-Nahhas and Ahmed Al-Sayed were sidelined with long-term injuries. As a result, Ahli refused the idea, especially with the team starting their Egyptian League campaign and competing in the group stage of the African Champions League. What made Ahli's officials change their mind and allow you to travel to Englan? The agent understood Ahli's viewpoint and said that I would just go for medical and trial period, but that the move can be delayed to January, a compromise accepted by Ahli. What exactly happened in England? Blackburn had a day off when I arrived and my agent managed to get me a trial with Newcastle and I did very well. The next day, I joined Blackburn's practice session and the coach was also happy with my display. Yet, according to my agreement with Ahli, I have to wait till January before completing any move. Why do several Premiership sides want to sign you? I believe many clubs are keen to sign me because of the shortage in quality center-defenders. According to my agent, Arsenal also expressed interest and (Ahmed Hossam) Mido told me that Tottenham boss Martin Jol said he admires my skills.
So, who do you prefer to play for? It makes no difference. I just want to play in the Premiership and I have to wait and see which of these clubs will maintain their interest in me till January. Is there anything specific that caught your attention in England? I was really impressed by their medical system. Full examinations are top priority ahead of signing any new player. I wish to see Egyptian clubs doing the same especially after the sudden death of Mohamed Abdul-Wahab. Total respect for players was another highlight of this trip. No one plays in a club against his will. Blackburn's manager sat with me and asked if I want to join them or not before discussing any details. Do you expect Ahli to let you go in January? I think so, because if they didn't have the intention to sell my contract, they wouldn't have let me go on trial in the first place. Ahli have never blocked a good move for any of their players. In addition, I am 31 years old now and this is the last chance for me to play at the highest level. Aren't you afraid of failing in Europe like many Egyptians? Why should I think about failure when I know about several success stories? We have Mido, Mohamed Zidan, Ahmed Hassan, Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa and many others who excelled in Europe. I feel I can follow in their footsteps and be an asset for the Egyptian national team like all European-based players who are the backbone of their respective African teams like Nigeria, Senegal, Cameroon and others. What are Ahli's chances in retaining their African title? I think we have a very big chance to keep the trophy in Cairo because Ahli are the most confident team in the last four.
