Hassan to sign a new contract with Ahly

Ahmed Abd El Rasoul , Monday 28 Mar 2011

Egypt captain Ahmed Hassan has welcomed the chance to extend his stay at Ahly and defended national coach Hassan Shehata

Ahmed Hassan

Ahly’s midfielder Ahmed Hassan has pledged his loyalty to the Egyptian champions by confirming that he is on the brink of signing a new contract with the Red Devils.

The vastly experienced midfielder, who will turn 36 next May, has been linked with a move to arch-rivals Zamalek next summer after three years with Ahly.

“Nothing prevents me from renewing my contract as I have a very strong relationship with Ahly,” Hassan was quoted as saying on the club's official website Monday.

Football director Sayed Abdel Hafiz confirmed that the deal will be concluded next week as Ahly have a crucial second-leg clash against South Africa outfit Super Sport in the CAF Champions League round of 32.

“The game will not be easy. We must play for both wining and not receiving any goals,” the former Besiktas and Anderlecht player said. Ahly won the first leg in Cairo 2-0.

Hassan has come to the defense of Egypt’s coach Hassan Shehata who has been under-fire in the wake of the national side's 1-0 loss at South Africa 1-0 last Saturday in the African Cup of Nations 2012 qualifiers.

The defeat was a huge blow to the defending champions who now need a miraculous comeback to reach the finals. They are currently bottom of their group with a single point after three games.

“We are in a very difficult situation but qualification isn’t impossible yet. It is nonsense to attack the coach - who has led the team to so much glory - after losing one game,” he added.

“The Egyptian Football Association must support Shehata who must make his final decision about leaving or staying in his position without any pressure."

The 35-year old player stressed that he has no intention of quitting international football and is now focused on regaining full fitness after being on the sidelines for the past six months with a serious knee injury.

Short link: