Feyenoord Egyptian keeper Sherif Ekrami is unhappy with Bert van Marwijk's continuous snub of him but vows to fight for his place in the Dutch team squad. In an interview with FilGoal.com, the 24-year-old goalie commented on the recent speculation linking him with a return to Egyptian champions Ahli. He also revealed the secret behind his refusal to join Belgian side Dender in the January transfer window. Q Why did you fail to play regularly with Feyenoord this season? Firstly, I was sidelined for over four months due to a shoulder injury. Feyenoord coach Van Marwijk also prefers to field Henk Timmer as his first-choice guardian because he trusts his abilities. Q Do you think that Van Marwijk prefers to play Timmer because he thinks that the Dutch keeper's efforts in training are greater than yours? No, that's not the reason. Van Marwijk is a stubborn man because some club officials as well as Feyenoord fans ask him to give me a chance to prove my worth but he refuses to do so. Q Why did you turn down Dender's offer to join them in the winter transfer window? It is true that I received an official bid from Dender. I though about joining them but I wanted to explore their facilities at first before accepting the switch. I found out that their facilities are very poor and their pitch's condition is terrible. Furthermore, the team's results are lackluster and they are struggling to avoid relegation.
I don't want to concede many goals every match. It is better to play second-fiddle to Timmer than playing regularly with Dender. Q What do you intend to do next season? Van Marwijk will leave at the end of the season to succeed Marco van Basten at Holland's helm. His imminent departure convinced me to carry on. I may have a chance next season to prove myself under the guidance of a new boss. Q Have Ahli contacted you over a possible return to them after their keeper Essam Al-Hadari tried to illegally move abroad? None of Ahli officials contacted me. All the reports which talked about my possible return to the club are untrue. Q What will be your respond if Ahli demanded to sign you? I came from Ahli's youth ranks and I love this club. If they want me, I will not hesitate to move to them. The only problem will be Feyenoord's financial demands; they will likely put a hefty price tag to release me. Q Why do you rarely get a call-up to Egypt's squad? You have to ask Egypt's technical staff. I'm available and I'm eager to participate with the Pharaohs. Maybe they don't select me because I don't play regularly with Feyenoord. That's why I'm determined to break through Feyenoord squad in order to earn a call-up to Egypt squad.
