Ahli midfielder Ahmed Fathi is still adamant that his short spell with English side Sheffield United was not a failure. The Egypt midfielder, who was part of the Pharaohs' African Cup of Nations winning squad, joined Sheffield in January 2007 from Ismaili. He failed to hold down a regular place with Blades but was determined to fight for his place even after Sheffield's relegation to the Championship. "I did not fail. I just had a bad luck in England," Fathi told Egyptian daily Al-Masry Al-Yom. "My return to Egypt wasn't because I did not play well with Sheffield. It was down to some factors which had nothing to do with football. I don't want to disclose those factors." Many believed that Fathi failed to cope with the Premiership's physical demands. He does not agree. "I earned plaudits for some good displays there. I have the pace and strength to play in the Premiership," he insisted. Fathi wanted to carry on with Sheffield but the club seemingly decided that the player is no longer in their plans. The resignation of manager Neil Warnock, who had faith in Fathi's abilities, apparently contributed to Fathi's exit. Sheffield initially accepted a bid from Zamalek to sign the versatile midfielder, who rejected to join the Cairo giants.
Fathi (R) returned home to play with Ahli Fathi instead opted to move to Zamalek's arch-rivals Ahli. However, he still dreams of playing abroad once again Another Challenge The 23-year-old revealed that he will not hesitate to move on if a good European offer comes up. "I have a great ambition to play in Europe again. I may even return to Sheffield if they are interested in having me back because the problems which forced me out no longer exist." "I do not have certain preferences over the clubs I wish to join, but I need to play in a club that can match my ambition. "I'm yet to receive any offers. All the reports which claimed that some French clubs are interested in my services are totally untrue." Fathi insists he will go through the proper legal channels if he is to leave Ahli, referring to Essam Al-Hadari's controversial move to Swiss side FC Sion. Egypt keeper Al-Hadari has been granted permission by FIFA to play for Sion although he departed without the consent of Ahli. Fathi doesn't intend to follow in the footsteps of Al-Hadari. "I can't leave Ahli abruptly like Al-Hadari did. The club's football committee must give me the green light to depart, otherwise I will stay." "But I believe Ahli will not hamper any good move for me," Fathi added.
