Egypt and Anderlecht midfielder Ahmed Hassan was delighted by his nomination for the 'Ebony Boot' awarded to the best African footballer in the Belgian Jupiler League. Hassan, who said he found out about the nomination through FilGoal.com, insisted his selection comes as a sufficient reply to the pundits who claimed he cannot cope with European football anymore. “People are claiming I want to return to Egypt because I can't cope with playing at the top level anymore,” Hassan told FilGoal.com in an exclusive interview on Monday evening. “But I guess this nomination is the best reply I could give my critics,” he added. The Egyptian skipper is up against fellow African teammates Mohamed Tchite of Congo and Moroccan-born midfielder Mbark Boussoufa who grabbed the award last year. Standard Liege Moroccan youngster Marouane Fellaini and Gent's Togolese striker Adekanmi Olufade complete the 5-man list for the award that will be handed out on April 30th.
Tchite and Hassan Hassan, who turns 32 next month, said he was well aware of who his competition will be for the award. “Tchite is the frontrunner for the award,” the former Ismaili player said. “But I have an advantage because I'm a playmaker; I create goals as well as score them.” Hassan scored nine league goals for the Belgian champions this season six less than club's top scorer Tchite who is on 15 goals so far. The meticulous midfielder is planning a return to Egypt at the end of the season and has been linked to Cairo powerhouses Ahli and Zamalek who opened talks with the experienced player. “I haven't made up my mind yet,” the former Besiktas player said. “All I'm concerned about right now is winning the Belgian League and Cup titles with Anderlecht this season.” Title holders Anderlecht are in second place in the Belgian League on 59 points, one less than leaders Genk.
