Ahmed Fathi- I’m leaving Al Ahly because ‘I want to participate in 2022 FIFA World Cup’ in Qatar
Al Ahly veteran Ahmed Fathi has revealed his decision to quit the CAIRO giants, and that is because of 2022 FIFA World Cup where he knee obtaining regular football to be able to make cut to Egypt’s squad for Qatar 2022.
Both Ahly and Fathi failed the sort out their differences for the defender to extend his stay at Cairo based club as his contract expires at the end of this season.
This led to both Ahly last week, and Fathi last Wednesday, announcing the veteran’s departure from the Cairo International Sports Stadium when this season ends.
Fathi: “After more than 12 years of achievements at the club, I think this is the best time to look for a new challenge in my professional career and pass the torch to the younger generation.”
“This is life and its one of the hardest decisions I have taken in my 20-year long career as a professional football player.”
There is no accurate account on why the Egyptian International is exiting Ahly doors but the defender himself has revealed on Friday why he wants to leave the African giants.
That is not about monetary issue as claimed in the Egyptian sources that Pyramids have offered the veteran a huge financial deal but the defender knee seeking regular football elsewhere in order to make cut for Egypt’s squad for the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.
“People believe I did not renew my contract because of financial reasons which is not true. Al Ahly’s offer is the best for me on financial level.” Fathy told reporters.
“Al Ahly manager told me that I am not able to play week in week out and It is not true. I want to leave to play on regular basis so I can be fit for 2022 World Cup.”
Fathi, 35, who is already linked with a move to Pyramids was part of Egypt’s squad that made their first FIFA World Cup appearance in 28 years when the North Africans were placed in group of Russia 2018 World Cup alongside host nations Russia, Uruguay and Saudi Arabia.
Fathi featured in all three game in the group stage but Egypt failed to win a game in the World Cup final, exiting the group as the bottomers having been beaten 1-0, 3-1 and 2-1 by Uruguay, Russia and Saudi Arabia respectively.
