Zamalek decided not to extend the stay of their midfielder Mohamed Aboul-Ella, whose contract ran out by the end of last season. Aboul-Ella, who came through the Cairo club's youth ranks, was informed of the decision by his former teammate and current board member Hazem Emam. "Hazem told me about the boardroom's intention of releasing me," the 29-year-old told FilGoal.com. The one-club man believes that the objective of the newly-elected board is to dismantle the squad by getting rid of the veterans. "The coaching staff want to keep hold of me, nonetheless, I was expecting such a decision," Aboul-Ella elaborated. "(Assistant coach) Mahmoud Saad asked me to take part in the preparatory training even after my contract's expiry. "He assured me that (head coach Michel) Decastel wants to me in the team, but the club's board is trying to offload the old guard." Mistreatment Aboul-Ella revealed that he had the chance to leave Zamalek when they were collapsing last season, but his 'loyalty obliged him to stay'.
Emam He pointed out that the White Knights didn't show him the same courtesy. "I received many offers last January, but I turned them all down because I didn't want to leave while Zamalek were stumbling," he said. "But I guess that Zamalek always mistreat their homegrown players." No Retirement Furthermore, Aboul-Ella stated that he's not planning to hang up his boots in the meantime. "I haven't turned 30 yet, it would be too early for me to retire now," he stated. "But joining another team before next season will be extremely hard, given that all clubs have already submitted their final rosters." Aboul-Ella made his first-team debut in 1998, and helped Zamalek claim three Egyptian Premier League titles throughout his career. He was also handed the team's captaincy for two seasons.
