After France's great Zinedine Zidane, Egypt’s star, Mohamed Abou-Treika, has decided to wear the number 5 jersey during the London Olympic Games later this month.
“There are two reasons for my choice: I get optimistic whenever I wear the number 5 jersey, and also because it was worn by Zidane,” Abou-Treika was quoted as saying on the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) website.
A classic playmaker, the 33-year-old is usually likened to former Juventus, Real Madrid and France great Zidane, thanks to his precise passes that unlock the tightest of defences.
The other two over-age players in Egypt’s Olympic squad, striker Emad Meteb and right-back Ahmed Fathi, will wear the numbers 10 and 7, respectively.
The younger players gave the veterans priority in choosing numbers: “The younger players on the squad insisted that the three over-age players will have the right to choose the numbers they want to put on the back of their shirts,” the EFA revealed.
Egypt, who will make their first Olympic football appearance in 20 years, are currently holding their training camp in the French city, Calais.
The team will open their Group C campaign against favourites Brazil on 26 July before taking on New Zealand and Belarus.
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