Juan Beiza apologises to Zamalek as he pushes for ‘once-in-a-lifetime’ move

Zamalek forward Juan Beiza has apologised to the club, its board, team-mates, coaching staff and supporters as he seeks to leave after one season, describing the proposed move as an opportunity that may not come again.

The Brazilian returned to Cairo to meet Zamalek officials and discuss his future. The club had insisted he come back before negotiations over a departure could begin.

Beiza issued his message on Instagram, saying: “I had a wonderful season with Zamalek and was one of those who contributed to winning the league title.

“From Cairo, I would like to apologise to Zamalek, its board, all my team-mates, the entire coaching staff and the Zamalek fans. I hope you accept this apology and I am fully prepared to face any disciplinary action the club may impose on me.”

He said the support he received from the supporters had helped him perform at his best during the previous season.

“At this important moment in my life, I cannot ignore the love shown to me by the Zamalek fans and their chants of my name in the stands,” he added. “That support helped me give my best throughout last season, with the support of my team-mates.”

Beiza also stressed that his relationship with people at the club remained strong and thanked Zamalek’s officials for wanting him to stay.

“However, I chose to leave because I believe I now have a great opportunity that may not come again, and it is a big dream for me and my family,” he said.

“That is why I insisted on my desire to move at this stage of my career, after giving everything I had to Zamalek throughout last season, as witnessed by the club’s fans, while maintaining my full appreciation for the club and its supporters.”

Beiza remains under contract with Zamalek for three more seasons. He said he hoped to leave while preserving his good relationship with everyone at the club and that Zamalek and its supporters would remain “a bright and lasting chapter” in his career.

A Zamalek source told FilGoal.com that Shabab Al Ahli Dubai had increased its offer for Beiza to $5m. The proposed payment would be made in instalments over a maximum of six months, with Zamalek receiving a substantial portion when the agreement was signed.

The Egyptian club is also demanding a 20% share of any future sale and wants Shabab Al Ahli Dubai to cover a further 20% owed to Beiza’s former club, Ukrainian side Olexandria, worth up to $1m, as well as the solidarity payment.

That payment is 5% of a professional player’s transfer compensation and is distributed among clubs involved in his training and development as a youth player. The overall value of the deal would therefore be close to $7m.

Zamalek previously rejected an offer from the Emirati club, after which Beiza maintained his position and refused to join them.

He has not yet returned to Cairo for the start of the season and Zamalek have played four matches without him. Beiza made 44 appearances in all competitions last season, scoring eight goals and creating 12, as Zamalek won the Egyptian league but lost the Confederation final on penalties.