CAIRO: Despite leaving for Belgium, midfielder Ahmed Hassan remains the most popular Egyptian in the Turkish football scene, international defender Ibrahim Saied insisted.
Saied, who joined Turkish outfit Rizespor in the winter transfer window from Zamalek, said that he hopes he can build a strong bond with Turkish fans just like his Egypt teammate and captain.
“Hassan is the most popular Egyptian here in Turkey, even my coach at Rizespor was asking me how he is doing in Belgium, Saied told FilGoal.com in a phone interview on Saturday.
Hassan enjoyed a lengthy spell in Turkey with Kocaelispor, Genclerbirligi and Besiktas before taking his trade to Belgium where he is currently playing for title holders Anderlecht.
Saied said that Egypt’s co-captain Abdul-Zaher Al-Saqqa is also among the most famous Egyptians in the Turkish league.
Asked on how he is adapting so far in Turkey, Saied said: “I’m coping very well so far, and thankfully I have established a strong rapport with the fans and my coach.
Saied, who went through turbulent periods both in his personal and professional life, said that his spell with Rizespor has brought him the stability he was looking for.
“I like the city, even though it is calm compared to Cairo, he said.
