The expected media hype that surrounded Egypt forward Geddo following his heroics in the African Cup of Nations did not distract him from maintaining his calm and modest stance. The Ittihad man, who took the Nations Cup by storm despite being used as a substitute, hardly spoke about his stunning displays in Angola in his post-tournament interviews. He instead credited his teammates for helping him score five goals to finish as the top scorer ahead of Africa's prominent strikers including Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba and Cameroon's Samuel Eto'o. "The support of my teammates was vital. They have done everything they could to help me blend into the team," Geddo, whose name hit headlines for all the right reasons, said. A soft-spoken man with a shy smile, Geddo has become the subject of Egyptian people's daily discussions. Few knew about him when he packed his luggage and accompanied his teammates to Angola, where he tasted his first experience on the international stage. Fans present at the Cairo airport cheered for the likes of Ahmed Hassan and Mohamed Zidan while some reporters could not even recognize that Geddo was there. About 25 days later, Geddo was surrounded by a large number of fans and reporters at the same airport, with some hoping to be photographed beside him and others looking to interview him. "I am just a footballer. I've never been used to too much focus from the media," he said after returning to Alexandria, the city of his club Ittihad. "Honestly I was worried to be under the spotlight after what I have achieved with the national team."
Top scorer with five goals Teammates Praise Strangely enough, Geddo acknowledged that he did not have friendship with any of Egypt players prior to joining the national team. He used to watch them on TV like ordinary fans or confront them in league matches with Ittihad, who have Geddo as their only representative in Egypt's squad. However, he needed little time to become an active member of their dressing-room jokes. "Geddo is a great person. A bright future awaits him," Egypt's long-serving keeper Essam Al-Hadari said. Striker Emad Meteb added: "He is one of the best persons I've ever dealt with in my whole life." "He sets an example of how to be a respectable and professional player." Geddo was particularly praised by his teammates for accepting the bench role despite finding the net in every time he steps onto the pitch. Media spotlight is usually blamed for turning a promising star into an arrogant one. Geddo will have to prove that he can handle such pressure and remain the modest and lovable player he is. "I think I'll be happier to be away from the limelight. My reputation among Ittihad fans is enough for me. I feel relieved to be back to the calm atmosphere with Ittihad," he added.
