CAIRO: Zamalek striker Sherif Ashraf decided to move away from the Cairo club because he ‘wasn’t given a chance to prove his worth’ last season.
The 23-year-old, who joined the Whites from their arch-rivals Ahly in 2007, failed to establish himself as a regular starter over the past three years.
Zamalek coach Hossam Hassan usually relies on Ahmed Gafaar as a lone striker and he seldom included Ashraf in the starting eleven.
Ashraf’s hopes to increase his appearances were also dented after Amr Zaki’s return to the Zamalek this summer.
"The coaching staff no longer think about playing me," he told FilGoal.com.
"I have no hope at Zamalek and that’s why I will submit a transfer request to the board."
Ashraf revealed his intention to carry on his career elsewhere right after Wednesday’s Cairo derby that saw Ahly beat Zamalek 3-1 in the Egyptian Cup round of 16.
Hassan named only one striker in Gafaar for the match.
"I didn’t get the opportunity to play regularly," Ashraf said.
"My appearances were rare but I’m Zamalek’s fourth top scorer with a four-goal tally.
"I’ve received many offers from Egyptian and Arab clubs. I wish I could leave by mutual consent."
Ashraf’s, who still has two years on his current contract, was recently approached by Petrojet.
Zamalek’s football director Ibrahim Hassan once assured that the former Ahly youngster would stay put.
He’s yet to comment on Ashraf’s decision to depart.
