CAIRO: Wigan Athletic striker Mido said he’s unconditionally loyal to the Egyptian national team, refusing allegations that he never reaches full potential when playing for the Pharaohs.
Mido hasn’t regularly played for his country since his infamous bust-up with coach Hassan Shehata during the 2006 African Cup of Nations in Cairo.
However, the pair buried the hatchet since then, and Mido confirmed that he is always at his country’s full disposal.
“I will not accept any accusations hinting that I’m not fully committed to the national side, Mido told Al-Hayat TV.
“I’ve been having bad luck with injuries lately, but I always put Egypt’s interests above my clubs’, and Egyptian FA president Samir Zaher is witness on this.
“In 2004, I turned down a massive bonus from Marseille to stay with the team and skip the African Cup of Nations. I similarly rejected Tottenham’s offer of £400,000 to skip the same competition.
Mido, who won’t be available for Egypt’s friendly against Ghana on Wednesday due to injury, said that he is optimistic about his country’s chances at both the World Cup qualifications and the FIFA Confederations Cup.
“I believe the current group of Egyptian players are capable of reaching the World Cup, as well as achieving good results at the Confederations Cup.
“We all have enough experience now to take on any top class side.
“Now we have Mohamed Zidan and Mohamed Barakat back in the squad and their presence will be crucial for our chances in both competitions.
Zidan and Barakat are likely to play their first games for Egypt against Ghana, since the duo turned down one of Shehata’s call-ups last year.
The 25-year-old, who recently joined Wigan on loan from Middlesbrough, added that he wants to stay in the Premiership as long as he can.
“I believe that the Premiership is definitely the world’s strongest competition.
“I received several offers from Spain in January, but I turned them down because I want to stay in England until I’m 32 or 33. added the former Celta man.
