Former Egypt international striker Mohamed Nagy, widely known as Gedo, has said he was treated unfairly by the Egyptian Football Association during the controversy surrounding his attempted move to Zamalek more than a decade ago.
Speaking about the long-standing dispute, the former forward said the crisis developed while he was still contracted to Al-Ittihad Alexandria and insisted that Al-Ahly had no involvement during the early stages of the issue.
Player Describes How the Zamalek Deal Began
Gedo explained that the situation began during the 2010 season when he was approached about joining Zamalek. At the time, he was still playing for Al-Ittihad Alexandria and had travelled with Egypt’s national team for the Africa Cup of Nations tournament.
“I signed for Zamalek in the 2010 season, at which time Hossam Hassan was the technical director of the Whites when I was in the African Cup of Nations in the 2010 season,” he said in television remarks on Al-Nahar channel.
The striker said the move came after direct contact from Zamalek’s then coach.
“He added: “Hossam Hossam contacted me to join Zamalek, and I went and signed. I still had one season left on my contract with Al-Ittihad Alexandria, and I renewed for another season. If Al-Ittihad had not registered my contract, I would have become a free agent.””
Contract Complication Emerges
According to Gedo, the situation became more complicated after he travelled with Egypt’s national team for the Africa Cup of Nations.
“He continued: “I went to Zamalek and traveled with the national team to the Africa Cup of Nations, and at that time I discovered that Al-Ittihad had registered my new contract, and therefore I have one year left with the club.””
This meant that despite signing an agreement with Zamalek, he was still contractually tied to Al-Ittihad Alexandria for another season.
Meeting with Zamalek Officials
The player said he later met senior Zamalek figures in an attempt to resolve the issue.
“He continued: “I held a meeting with Mamdouh Abbas when he was president of Zamalek at the time, in the presence of Hossam Hassan and Hazem Emam, and I told them that I have no problem with continuing with Zamalek, but they must resolve this crisis with the federation.””
According to Gedo, the situation remained unresolved for several months before another Egyptian football giant entered the picture.
Al-Ahly Enters Negotiations
The striker said Al-Ahly only became involved later, months after the dispute had already begun.
“He added: “Three months later, Al-Ahly made an offer and negotiated with the federation and an agreement was reached, but then Zamalek presented the contract that I signed to the Football Association and accused me of receiving money, which did not happen, but the Football Association ruled in favor of Zamalek.””
Despite the accusation, Gedo insisted that the Cairo club’s rivals had played no role in the original dispute.
“He pointed out: “Al-Ahly was not in the picture during the African Nations Cup, and negotiations with Al-Ahly took place in June. The crisis was with Zamalek and Al-Ittihad, and Zamalek was afraid to negotiate with me officially because of Al-Ittihad’s financial demands.””
Testimony and Aftermath
Gedo also referred to the role of former Zamalek player Hazem Emam during the controversy.
“He stressed: “Hazem Emam gave a truthful testimony regarding my accusation of forgery. He is a decent man, and there were crises and conflicts in Zamalek Club, which caused my crisis with the club.””
No Regrets Over Final Decision
Despite the legal and contractual dispute, the striker said he has no regrets about how his career ultimately unfolded.
“He concluded: “I don’t regret not joining Zamalek. My intention from the beginning was to join Al Ahly, and I was happy with that move. I played five seasons there and achieved everything.””
Gedo went on to enjoy several successful seasons with Al-Ahly after the controversy, a period he now describes as the most fulfilling stage of his career.
