CAIRO: Egyptian skipper Ahmed Hassan said he was flattered that Zamalek coach Henri Michel was interested in signing him next season.
Hassan was informed of the Frenchman’s praise for his abilities and his insistence that the Anderlecht player be on top of list of recruits that Zamalek sign for the new season.
“I was told that coach Michel asked that Zamalek sign me when he was negotiating a contract extension with the club, Hassan told FilGoal.com exclusively in a phone interview from Belgium.
“He is a great coach I faced him on several occasions when he was in charge of the Moroccan and Ivorian teams, said Hassan.
FilGoal.com understands that the former Ivory Coast agreed to sign a two-year contract extension with Zamalek on Sunday after getting reassurances from the club officials that they will sign Hassan, Rizespor defender Beshir Al-Tabie and Sfaxien midfielder Haitham Mrabet.Hassan, who had previously voiced his desire to return to Egypt, did, however, insist that he has not reached an agreement with either Zamalek or arch-rivals Ahly.
The 31-year-old, who has a crucial game against Standard Liege in the Belgian Cup semi-final on Tuesday, said that he will arrive in Egypt later this week to be beside his sick mother.
The two-time African Nations Cup winner with Egypt said that his visit, which will last for three or four days, has nothing to do with sealing a deal with Ahly or Zamalek.
“I’m not stealing here, I have nothing to hide, and I have said that several times before, he said.
“I’m currently an Anderlecht player, and as soon I agree a deal with any other club I will make it public, and FilGoal.com readers will be the first to know.
