CAIRO: Ahly playmaker Mohamed Abou-Trika hasn’t given up hope of playing for a high-profile European team at some point during his career.
“I do still have the desire to excel and play for a big team in Europe, Abou-Trika said in an interview with BBC Sport on Saturday.
The Egyptian international, who has been recently named the 2008 BBC African Footballer of the Year, was linked with a move away from Ahly more than once during the past few years.
The likes of Saudi Arabia’s Hilal and Ain of UAE were ready to table mega bids for Abou-Trika, who eventually opted to stay at Ahly rather than playing in the Gulf region.
He did not receive a tempting European offer to leave Ahly though.
“I’ve received many offers from many clubs but most of them were not honorable enough for my club to consider.
“As long as the offer is satisfying for Ahly I believe they won’t prevent me from leaving and achieving one of my wishes in football.
Abou-Trika hopes that 2009 will be a year to remember for six-time African champions Egypt.
“We’re going to be put to the test with the challenges of our international duties coming up.
“Going to South Africa for the Confederations Cup won’t be an easy ride and it couldn’t get more intense as we’re reaching the final stages of the World Cup qualifiers.
“We’re expecting fierce competition with our group opponents. Our ultimate aim will most definitely be reaching the 2010 World Cup finals, the 30-year-old added.
Egypt were handed a tough draw in the FIFA Confederations Cup. They will meet Italy, Brazil and the United States in Group B of the tournament.
In the final phase of the World Cup qualifiers, the Pharaohs were drawn along with Algeria, Zambia and Rwanda as they aim to qualify for football’s most prestigious event for the first time since 1990.
