Zamalek veteran Abdallah El Said pledges season commitment in official statement

Abdallah El Said has said he is honoured to remain with Zamalek this season, despite recent reports that he had asked to end his contract and was considering retirement.

The 41-year-old midfielder was absent from Zamalek’s pre-season training camp, prompting speculation about his future and reports that unpaid financial dues had contributed to his decision not to join the squad.

Mohamed Abdel Hady, El Said’s agent, had also claimed on Facebook that the player had formally requested the termination of his contract. He wrote: “Abdallah El Said officially asked to terminate his contract with Zamalek because of what he considers mistreatment by the club’s board, both on the moral and media levels.”

However, El Said issued a statement on Thursday to clarify his position and reject suggestions that he had rebelled against the club.

Addressing Zamalek supporters in a message published on his official Instagram account, he said: “To the great fans of Zamalek: from the first moment I joined a great institution called Zamalek, I considered myself part of this big family, one of the sons of this great club and one of its supporters.

“What I experienced during this period was not simply a job or a passing stage in my life. It was one of the most important chapters of my football career, in the presence of fans from whom I have seen nothing but love and appreciation.”

El Said added that reports about his conduct over the previous few days were inaccurate.

“Everything that has happened during the past few hours is completely untrue,” he said. “I have never rebelled against Zamalek, and leaving will never be an option if it means abandoning Zamalek and its great supporters, whatever happens. I have been honoured to be here.”

The former Al Ahly, Ismaily and Pyramids player explained that he had been considering whether to retire from football, rather than attempting to force his way out of Zamalek.

“I thought about retiring and ending my football career in the shirt I truly love,” El Said said. “That moment will inevitably come, and it was something that took some time to consider. It coincided with the beginning of the team’s preparations, which is why I did not start training with them.”

He also expressed his respect for Zamalek’s board and said he would accept whatever decisions the club makes.

“As a member of this family, whose true meaning I have felt in every situation, I affirm my complete respect and appreciation for Zamalek, its fans and its board, and for whatever decisions it takes,” he said. “I am honoured to be among its players this season.”

El Said concluded by promising to put the club’s interests first and compete for silverware in the campaign ahead.

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