Ahli midfielder Ahmed Shokri says he was offered a trial at Hoffenheim but the Red Devils turned down the Bundesliga side on Friday. "Football director Sayed Abdul-Hafiz informed me of the coaching staff's refusal to let me travel for a trial at Hoffenheim because they believe I am the future of Ahli," the 21-year-old told FilGoal.com. "Although I haven't played quite frequently of late, Abdul-Hafiz assured me that Jose always underlines my importance as part of the team." Shokri haven't featured for Ahli in a competitive match since Manuel Jose took charge of the Cairo side early in January. "The technical staff say they wouldn't prevent any player from leaving provided that he receives a worthwhile offer, but in the same breath they stressed that they have the right to keep hold of their important players," he elaborated. "I was told that I hadn't been named for (Ahli's last league match against) Police Union to have enough rest after featuring for Egypt U-23 against Botswana in 2012 Olympics qualifying stage. "It's the same case with my teammate Shehab Ahmed. I also would like to state that neither me or him threatened to leave as rumored. We belong to Ahli after all," concluded Shokri, a product of Ahli's youth system.
