Zamalek defender Ahmed Ghanem admitted that he refused to renew his contract at the Cairo club because he would rather join a foreign side. The 23-year-old revealed that he's targeted by an anonymous French outfit, who are currently in talks with Zamalek over a possible summer deal. "I have already informed Zamalek football director Ibrahim Hassan of my intent to move abroad," he told FilGoal.com. "I didn't extend my contract for my plans. "A French club are interested in my services and now they are trying to reach an agreement with Zamalek." Ghanem, a product of Zamalek's youth system, has been reluctant for quite a while to extend his stay at Zamalek. However, he reiterated that he's fully committed to the five-time African champions, saying he would never join another Egyptian side. "My dream is to ply my trade in Europe, but I will only play for Zamalek if I eventually stay in Egypt," he added. Tangible Effect Like many Zamalek players, Ghanem heaped praise on head coach Hossam Hassan and underlined the team's significant improvement under his guidance. "If Hossam Hassan had been appointed at the beginning of the season, our status would have been way different by now," he said. "We would have been able to claim the title six or seven weeks before the end of the season. "His effect is really tangible." Zamalek suffered a terrible form and a string of poor results under Swiss tactician Michel Decastal and Frenchman Henri Michel early this term. But the White Knights have shown a great deal of consistency since Hassan took the helm late in November, after both of his predecessors were sacked. Now Zamalek, who lie third in the Egyptian Premier League table, revel in a seven-match winning streak. The 11-time Egyptian champions were languishing in 10th spot near the relegation zone by the time Hassan was appointed as boss.
