Abdallah El Said has reaffirmed his commitment to Zamalek and said he intends to remain with the club for the new season, after reports suggested the 41-year-old was considering retirement.
The former Al Ahly, Ismaily and Pyramids player issued a statement on Thursday to clarify his position after his absence from Zamalek’s pre-season training camp sparked widespread speculation.
Several reports had linked his decision to stay away from the squad to unpaid financial dues. The situation led to further uncertainty about whether El Said would continue his career at Zamalek or seek to leave the club.
His agent, Mohamed Abdel Hady, had also claimed that the midfielder wanted to terminate his contract. Writing on Facebook, Abdel Hady said: “Abdallah El Said officially asked to terminate his contract with Zamalek because of what he considers to be poor treatment by the club’s board, both on a moral and media level.”
El Said responded through a statement published on his official Instagram account, insisting that the reports did not reflect his feelings towards Zamalek.
“To the great fans of Zamalek: from the moment I joined a great institution called Zamalek, I have considered myself part of this big family, one of the sons of this great club and one of its supporters,” he said.
“What I have experienced during this period was not simply a job or a passing stage in my life. It was one of the most important chapters of my football career, among fans from whom I have seen nothing but love and appreciation.”
El Said added: “Everything that has happened during the past few hours is completely untrue. I have never rebelled against Zamalek, and leaving will never be an option if it means letting down Zamalek and its great supporters, whatever happens. I have been honoured to be here.”
The midfielder explained that retirement had been a genuine consideration, but said that this was not evidence of a dispute with the club.
“I thought about retiring and ending my football career in the shirt that I have truly loved,” he said. “That moment will inevitably come, and this was something that took some time to consider and coincided with the beginning of the team’s preparations.
“That was why I did not start training with them. As a member of this family, which has shown me its true meaning in every situation, I confirm my complete respect and appreciation for Zamalek, its supporters and its board, as well as for the decisions it takes. I am honoured to be part of the team this season.”
El Said concluded by promising to put the club’s interests first and compete for trophies in the campaign ahead.
“I promise the great fans that I will put Zamalek’s interests first, and I promise to fight and battle for all the titles next season. Long live Zamalek and its loyal supporters,” he said.
His statement ends the immediate uncertainty over his future, with El Said making clear that his absence from the start of pre-season was connected to his thoughts about retirement rather than a decision to abandon Zamalek.
