CAIRO: Egypt midfielder Ahmed Hassan described his major knee injury as a ‘blessing from God’ because it will give him the chance to rest after years of tireless work.
Hassan suffered a cruciate ligament tear Monday during The Pharaohs’ surprise 1-1 home draw with Sierra Leone in an Africa Cup of Nations opening qualifier.
The 35-year-old is set to undergo knee injury in the near future and is expected to be sidelined for up to six months.
However, the Egypt captain sees a bright side of his injury.
"I would say a cruciate ligament injury at this time is a blessing from God," he told Nile Sports.
"I really need a break after the huge pressure I endured over the past years.
"It’s the most serious injury I’ve ever sustained throughout my career. This could be my lengthiest layoff too.
"So far, the longest period I have spent away from football was three-month long, when I had my jaw broken.
"But I believe I can overcome my knee problem and become even better than before."
Hassan should have traveled to Germany right away in order to go under the knife.
However, he opted to postpone the trip till next week, so as he can celebrate the Muslim Eid Al-Fitr feast in Egypt.
The former Anderlecht star is also planning to spectate Ahly’s crucial CAF Champions League clash against Nigeria’s Heartland on Sunday.
