Hamza Abdelkarim says he will continue Barcelona dream as Mohamed Salah offers regular advice

Hamza Abdelkarim says he is determined to continue pursuing his “dream” at Barcelona after scoring in a 2-1 win over former club Al Ahly in the Joan Gamper Trophy.

The 18-year-old forward made his first appearance at Camp Nou for Barcelona and found the net against the Egyptian side where he developed as a player. Raphinha also scored for the Spanish club, while Ahmed Sayed Zizo replied for Al Ahly.

“It was a special match, but it is too early to talk about achieving anything,” Abdelkarim told journalist Ashraf bin Ayad.

“I experienced many emotions during this match because I played against the team where I grew up. Hopefully, I made the Egyptians happy.”

Abdelkarim said Barcelona head coach Hansi Flick had shown considerable faith in him since his arrival at the club.

“Hansi Flick, the Barcelona coach, gives me a lot of confidence. Hopefully, I will continue working and maintain the coach’s trust in me,” he said.

He also thanked Barcelona supporters for the backing they had given him and the team.

“The experienced players in the first team always treat me with encouragement,” Abdelkarim told On Sport in a separate interview.

“Their support is not limited to me. They support all the players, whether they are in the first team or the youth teams.”

Abdelkarim added: “I am living a dream and I believe in it. Hopefully, I will continue it.”

The forward revealed that Liverpool and Egypt captain Mohamed Salah had remained in contact with him since the pair met at an Egypt national-team camp.

“Mohamed Salah has been in constant contact with me since the Egypt national-team camp. I benefit greatly from everything he says because he has achieved a lot. He is a role model for me and for all of Egypt,” Abdelkarim said.

He also expressed his gratitude to the Al Ahly supporters and Egyptian fans who had encouraged him.

“I thank the Al Ahly fans who supported me, as well as all the Egyptian fans for standing by me,” he said.

“My message to Egyptian players is: believe in your dream.”

Abdelkarim has been one of Barcelona’s leading scorers during pre-season. He has scored four goals in five matches during the club’s preparations, while also featuring in six matches overall.

His goal against Al Ahly came in his first match at Camp Nou and provided another notable moment in a rapid rise from Egyptian football to Barcelona’s senior set-up.

Barcelona will begin their La Liga campaign against Elche on Sunday in the second round, with their first-round fixture postponed until Thursday, 27 August, when they face Athletic Bilbao.