Exclusive interview with El-Ahly's Barakat

El-Ahly player Mohamed Barakat Cairo – Hossam El Sayed Arabstoday met up with el-Ahly player Mohamed Barakat who is currently waiting for his fate to be decided by the football committee- his contract will expire at the end of the year. AT: How did you react when you learned that you would not play against Nigeria in the African Cup?
MB: It was a technical decision. As a professional football player I do what I am being asked and i do not question or discuss my coach's decision.  
AT: Did you struggle to stay in the substitution team?
MB: Absolutely not, my relation with captain Hossam is very strong I respect his choices very much. There isn't any disagreement between us, and I think there are no disagreement at all in the entire team.
AT: What do you think about the team performance in the African Cup?
MB: Thanks God we have improved a lot, the team will play in finals and we want to beat the Nigerian and win the African Cup. We will not surrender easily.
AT: Who would be your 'favourite' adversary in final?
MB: The teams in the final must be as strong as Tunisia or Congo. Playing against them would be a challenge.
AT: What about Your clash with Mohammed Abo Treka?
MB: There was a big clash between us due to his situation from the Super match. I was extremely angry with him, but he apologised and I forgave him.
AT:  Do you think about renewing your contract with El Ahly club?
MB: So far no one has mentioned it. I am waiting for a committee meeting with the club and we'll see. If it doesn't happen I'll pay in the Gulf.
AT: It's been reported that the club intends to send older players to retirement and employ them in administrative positions in the club, what do you think of that?
MB: No one can force me to retire I will continue to play until I feel I am not able to play anymore, and if I thought about retirement at the end of this season it will be my own decision.
AT: what are your latest TV offers?
MB: I have received offers to act in plays and movies, presenting a TV program in some Arab satellite channel but I declined them. The club will not allow me to do this, but I might give it a go when my career in football ends.
AT: what is your expectation about the future of sports in Egypt?
MB: Now we are in a very critical situation, but we still have hope to restore stability, and hopefully Egyptian football and sport can go back to normal.