“I am very happy and excited to play my first game in the Ahly jersey, and I feel with big passion to start this challenge with the team,” Zizo said in an interview with the club’s official website.
On Friday, Zizo completed a stunning free transfer from Cairo rivals Zamalek to Ahly, marking one of the most dramatic moves in recent Egyptian football history.
The 29-year-old international player joined Ahly after his contract with Zamalek expired following the 2025 Egypt Cup, ending months of speculation and a protracted dispute with his former club.
“The negotiations with Ahly were very positive, and now I’m fully concentrating on my work on the field. I wasn’t negatively affected by any pressures in the last period. I was enthusiastic to wear Ahly’s jersey,” the player explained.
“I received several lucrative offers, but I chose Ahly because I want to write a new history and achieve titles and popularity inside and outside Africa. That’s what made Ahly the best choice for me,” he added.
Zizo highlighted the support and the warm welcome of Ahly fans after the announcement of his transfer, stressing that the supporters’ reaction made him more excited, vowing to please them.
Excited for first challenge
The first edition of the expanded FIFA Club World Cup, which will kick off on 14 June, will be the first test for Zizo, who believes this chance will be a great addition for him.
The African giants, drawn in Group A alongside Palmeiras (Brazil), FC Porto (Portugal), and Inter Miami (USA), kick off the tournament against the American side on Sunday, 15 June.
“Playing at the Club World Cup for the first time makes me feel excited, and I hope that the team will deliver an outstanding performance and please the fans. Playing in such a tournament with a team like Ahly adds a lot for me,” the Pharaohs player said.
“My full concentration now is on appearing on a high note in my first game with Ahly, regardless of who will be our opponent. I was always looking forward to playing at such a big tournament, and Ahly gave me that chance.
“The team is preparing well, and the technical staff also motivates all players to do their best, and having excellent players in all positions helps a lot in achieving titles,” he added.
Zizo confessed that Ahly’s group at the World Cup is a strong one that includes prominent teams, but he believes Ahly will deal with every game separately.
“I hope that we will be lucky and win all the titles this season,” he concluded.
Amid their current training camp in Miami, Ahly will be facing Mexican club Pachuca in a friendly match on Sunday night.
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