Ahly's midfielder Mahmoud 'Trezeguet' Hassan, who joined Anderlecht on a season-long loan (Photo: Ahram)
Midfielder Mahmoud Trezeguet said he is determined to make the most of a loan stint with Belgian giants Anderlecht, having received a "valuable advice" from former Egypt skipper Ahmed Hassan.
Mahmoud Hassan, nicknamed Trezeguet due to his resemblance to former France striker David Trezeguet, joined Anderlecht on a season-long loan from Cairo giants Ahly earlier this month.
Anderlecht, who lost the Belgian league title to Club Brugge last season after winning it three seasons in a row, have an option to make the deal permanent after the end of the season.
The club's general manager Herman Van Holsbeeck said they would give the "talented" Trezeguet time to adapt to the Belgian league and the country's culture and the 20-year-old admitted that settling in will not be easy.
"I know I will take time to settle and adapt to everything in Belgium," Trezeguet, who can play as a central midfielder, attacking midfielder or winger said in an interview with Ahram's sports magazine.
"I did not take part in the pre-season preparations but I hope I would be able to gel in as soon as possible."
Trezeguet revealed that he was supported by Ahmed Hassan, who enjoyed a highly-successful two-year spell with Anderlecht.
The former Egypt skipper, who is now the manager of Egyptian Premier League side Petrojet, led Anderlecht to a league and cup title between 2006 and 2008.
"Hassan supported me a lot and his advices are very useful to me. Playing in Europe has been my dream and I was very sad when Ahly initially asked me to stay this year but I had to accept their decision and respect it.
"I was then over the moon when they decided to allow me to join Anderlecht on loan. I'm now pursuing my dream."
Trezeguet, a product of Ahly's youth academy, scored five goals and created six others in 31 Premier League appearances last season as the Red Devils finished second behind arch-rivals and winners Zamalek.
He also helped Ahly win the 2014 league title and African Confederation Cup.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: