Nacional Madeira's Egyptian defender Ali Ghazal revealed that he will fight to stay in Europe when his contract with the Portuguese side expires this summer.

"Playing in the Gulf countries or China is better than returning to Egypt to join Ahly or Zamalek," Ghazal told a television programme late Saturday.

"I will fight to continue playing in Europe to save my professional career," he continued.

The former Wadi Degla defender hinted that he hoped to finish his playing career at Nacional Madeira.

Criticism of Egypt coach

Despite being a regular member in Nacional's starting line-up, Ghazal is rarely called up to Egypt's squad, having fallen out of favour after some sub-par displays in the team's failed attempt to reach the 2015 African Cup of Nations.

"I wonder why I don't have a chance to join Egypt national team camp under the leading of Argentinean coach Hector Cuper," Ghazal said.

"At least I can be called to play games with the national team [so] he can evaluate my performance."

"I play well with Nacional so it's normal to join the national team as there are players failed to save regular places in their team, but they have been called for the camps," Ghazal concluded.

(For more sportsnews andupdates, followAhramOnlineSportson Twitter at@AO_Sportsand onFacebookatAhramOnlineSports.)

https://english.ahram.org.eg/News/222320.aspx