Zamalek fans were over the moon when the club announced the arrival of Mido on a season-long loan from Middlesbrough – one of their most high-profile signings during the past decade. The towering striker, who has plenty of European football experience, was expected to form a formidable partnership with Amr Zaki as Zamalek supporters wondered which Egyptian club could stop the threat of the influential duo. Seven games into the Premier League, Mido grabbed headlines for the wrong reasons after an early turbulent period with the Cairo giants. "It is too early to assess my displays. I played just four matches, three of which as a substitute," he said in an interview with FilGoal.com. "I was also introduced during some hard times for the club. I just need to regain full fitness and play more games, and then you can evaluate my performances." Mido, who wasted a penalty in a 2-1 defeat to Petrojet in his first appearance after joining, has yet to open his Zamalek account but he also failed to impress in the early stage of the season. He was criticized for being overweight and was blamed for failing to control his temper when the team were in dire need of composure.
Mido: Under the spotlight In the 2-2 draw with Arab Contractors in August, the 26-year-old was needlessly booked for a rash challenge on opposing keeper Mohamed Al-Akabawi. It seemed that his reaction was in retaliation after the guardian argued with him few minutes earlier. Mido believes criticism was not justified. "I was surprised to see the reaction of media after I joined Zamalek. They attacked me as if my decision to return to Egypt destabilized things here," he stated. "There are some people who never played football but crudely attack me. I will not respond in the same manner, although I can do that, because I prefer to show my worth by producing good performances." Another Agogo? Zamalek fans could be excused for fearing a repeat of Junior Agogo's tale. The Ghanaian striker joined Zamalek from Nottingham Forest last summer in a move that was surrounded by media hype as Egyptian clubs, unlike the wealthy Gulf sides, rarely make such big-name signings.
Agogo: Transfer flop Agogo hardly made an impact and was involved in numerous disputes with the club's board. At the end, he unilaterally rescinded his contract with Zamalek to leave for Cypriot club Apollon Limassol. Mido's unpromising start with the White Knights could lead to similar fate, pundits say. "I did not return to Egypt to prove that I'm a good player, everybody knows who Mido is," the former Tottenham, Roma, Marseille and Ajax Amsterdam marksman confidently said. "I will not concentrate on what some people, who know little about football, say about me but I will instead focus on achieving my aims." Mido's aims including returning to Egypt fold, having last represented the Pharaohs when they were held to a 1-1 home draw by Zambia in a World Cup qualifier in March. He was snubbed by coach Hassan Shehata due to lack of regular first-team football with Wigan Athletic, where he spent a six-month loan in the second half of last season. "I want win the league with Zamalek and regain my place in Egypt's squad," Mido concluded.
