Zamalek's rising star Mostafa Mohamed revealed to French magazine France Football on Thursday his desire to start his European journey through the Turkish giants Fenerbahce.

Reports suggest Fenerbahce tabled a €2.5 million bid, but the offer was rejected by Zamalek.

“Yes, it's true. Fenerbahce wants me. I want to join this great Turkish club. I will be 23 soon, it's time for me to take a step forward and join Europe. I want to leave Egypt,” Mohamed told France Football.

However, the move seems complicated as Zamalek’s President Mortada Mansour said he refuses to let go of his marksman to Turkey due to the strain relations between Cairo and Ankara.

“I have nothing to do with it, I am a professional footballer. Politics is not my thing. Like other Egyptians (Trezeguet, Elneny), I want to join Turkey as soon as possible and play in such a big league. I just want to do my job.”

Mohamed, with nine league goals and three in the African Champions League this season, hailed his club and passionate supporters.

“It's an honour to play for Zamalek. It is one of the biggest clubs in Africa. There is always an incredible fervor and the supporters are very passionate,” he explained.

Mohamed has quickly established himself as Egypt's number one striker due to his physical abilities and a string of fine performances recently. An athletic and imposing forward, a strong foot and dominant in the air, the Zamalek forward seems the legitimate successor to the powerful Egyptian strikers that have made their way to Europe like Ahmed "Mido" Hossam and Amr Zaki.

He was nicknamed the Bulldozer due to his strength. “Yes I do (enjoy the nickname). People say this because I have a strong player profile. But recently, I got another nickname: the anaconda,” he concluded.

Mohamed played 36 matches with the White Knights this season in all competitions scoring 12 goals and is considered one of the key players who helped the team to clinch the 2018-2019 Egyptian Cup, 2019-2020 Egyptian Super Cup, and 2019-2020 African Super Cup.

He is also the top scorer of the 2019 U-23 Africa Cup of Nations with five goals that helped Egypt win the title and secure a place in next year's Tokyo Olympics. 

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)