Abdullah El Said ends retirement thoughts and commits future to Zamalek

Abdullah El Said says he has abandoned thoughts of retiring and intends to return to Zamalek after confirming his commitment to the club for the coming season.

The midfielder had asked to terminate his contract with Zamalek by mutual consent after remaining absent from the team’s training sessions during preparations for the new campaign. El Said is under contract with the club until the summer of 2027.

In a statement addressed to the club’s supporters, El Said said he had been considering ending his career but wanted to continue representing Zamalek.

“To Zamalek’s great supporters… From the moment I joined the 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 experienced during this period was not merely a passing journey in my life. It was one of the most important chapters of my football career, alongside supporters from whom I have seen nothing but love and appreciation.”

El Said also rejected suggestions that he had rebelled against the club or deliberately sought to damage his relationship with Zamalek.

“Everything that has been reported over the past few hours is completely untrue. I have never rebelled against Zamalek, and I would never choose to lose the club or its great supporters, whatever happens,” he said. “I have been honoured to be here.”

The 41-year-old added: “I thought about retiring and ending my football career in the shirt I truly love. That moment will inevitably come, but this decision took some time and coincided with the beginning of the team’s pre-season preparations. That was why I did not start training with them.”

El Said had been expected to join Zamalek’s training after returning from a holiday in Greece. However, although he has returned from Greece, he had still not resumed training with the squad.

He said he respected the club’s board and any decisions it might take, while expressing his desire to remain part of the team.

“As a member of this family, whose true meaning I have felt in every situation, I confirm my complete respect and appreciation for Zamalek, its supporters and the board of directors, as well as for whatever decisions it takes,” he said. “I am honoured to be part of the team this season.”

He promised to prioritise the club’s interests and compete for silverware in the new campaign.

“I promise the great supporters that I will put Zamalek’s interests first, and I promise to fight and battle for all the trophies next season,” he said. “Long live Zamalek and its loyal supporters.”

El Said played a part in Zamalek winning the Egyptian Premier League title last season.

Zamalek have also confirmed their technical, administrative and medical staff for the new season. Moataz Gamal will remain as head coach, while Abdel Nasser Mohamed will continue as the club’s director of football.

Salah Soliman has joined the coaching staff, with Nuno Costa Ribeiro remaining as fitness coach. Fabio Ferreira has been appointed as a performance analyst, replacing Fabio Nuno, who worked with the team last season.

Mohamed Osama has returned as head of the medical department after leaving the club for the previous campaign.

Zamalek will begin their Egyptian Premier League campaign against Al Ittihad Alexandria on Friday, 21 August, at Cairo International Stadium.