The 31-year-old Elshorbagy will now compete at Professional Squash Association (PSA) and World Squash Federation (WSF) sanctioned tournaments under the English flag, according to a statement by the English national governing body of squash (England Squash).
“I am really excited to be representing England now,” Elshorbagy was quoted as saying on England Squash.
“I have lived in England more than half my life and have been trained by British coaches since the age of 15,” he said, adding that he is determined to give everything to the country that had supported him for so many years after moving there in 2006.
He praised national coach David Campion on the entire English squash team for their support, saying “when you have people like that who appreciate you for who you are, without expecting anything back it means a lot,” he added.
“The opportunity to represent England is extremely exciting and I will give it my all playing under the English flag,” Elshorbagy stressed.
El-Shorbagy is one of the most decorated squash players of all time, having spent 50 months at World No.1 between 2014-2021.
The Egyptian star, who was a former world champion and three-time British Open winner, has 44 professional titles to his name, putting him joint sixth on the all-time men’s winners list.
He is currently ranked third in the world.
Meanwhile, England Squash CEO Mark Williams has expressed his pleasure with deal, saying “We are very pleased to welcome Mohamed to England Squash and look forward to helping him continue to perform at the highest level of the game.”
“We are delighted that he’s so keen to play a role in supporting the exciting crop of young players currently coming through our talent pathway,” the England Squash CEO said.
El-Shorbagy will start his mission under the English flag in the Necker Mauritius Open, a PSA World Tour event, between 7-11 June.
He will make his debut at the British National Squash Championships in Manchester between 14-18 June, where he will be men’s top seed.
The Egyptian star will also represent England at the European Team Championships in 2023.
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