Mohamed Atef keen to return to Zamalek after loan spell at Talaea El Gaish

Mohamed Atef says he had hoped to return to Zamalek this season but remains with Tala’ea El Gaish on loan after initially agreeing to a two-season arrangement.

The player is spending a second successive campaign with Tala’ea El Gaish after moving from Zamalek on loan. He said the opportunity to represent his parent club again was something he had been eager to take.

“ I had hoped to return from loan to Zamalek. Wearing the Zamalek shirt and getting the chance to play for the club is a very great honour and an opportunity that every player wishes for,” Mohamed Atef told On Sport.

However, he indicated that the terms of the agreement had influenced the situation.

“But the loan was for two seasons, and there were some details that I did not agree with, but, God willing, what is to come will be better,” he added.

According to information obtained by FilGoal.com, Atef previously signed a two-season loan agreement, with each season covered by a separate contract.

Egyptian Football Association regulations state that a player cannot move to another club on loan for more than one season. In the summer, Atef joined Tala’ea El Gaish from Zamalek on a two-season loan, subject to Zamalek’s approval after the conclusion of the first campaign.

Atef was speaking after helping Tala’ea El Gaish secure a 3-2 victory against Montakhab El-Suweis Petrojet. He scored an impressive goal in the match, which gave his side a second win from their opening two games and moved them on to six points.

Reflecting on the result, he said the team’s success had been built on a collective effort, particularly after the squad began its preparations early and had to manage a shortage of available players.

“As for the second win in a row, this is down to the efforts of the entire team and the coaching staff. We started pre-season early and were focused on collecting the three points, especially given the numerical shortage,” he said.

The victory was Tala’ea El Gaish’s second in succession, and Atef said the squad was determined to maintain its progress by concentrating on each fixture individually.

“We achieved an important win for the second consecutive match. We deal with every game separately, the atmosphere within the team is very good, and we are working hard to achieve our objectives during the current season,” he concluded.

Atef therefore remains with Tala’ea El Gaish for the current campaign, despite his stated wish to return to Zamalek and compete for a place in the club’s first team. His latest performance, including the goal in the 3-2 victory, has helped his loan side make a perfect start after two rounds.