With only 21 years old, Saleh Gomaa is now one of the most important players in Nacional da Madeira, in the First League of Portugal. The talented midfielder assums that he brings good things to the team but he believes that he can do even more. This is an exclusive interview of the egyptian international to AgoraMadeira.
How do you see this moment of Nacional?
We are facing a very good moment now. We won the last five games: four in the league and one in Taça. I hope we can continue to win in the next games.”
Do you still believe in an european place in the end of the season?
It is still possible because we are only three points behind Rio Ave that is in 6th place of the table. We are also not far away the 5th place.
What do you think it was missing in the first part of the season?
A lot of players left the club in the last season and a lot of new players came to the club. Now, in Jannuary, Nacional brought very good players like Tiago Rodrigues and Luís Aurélio that are making the difference in the team. I hope they stay like this and when the season is finished maybe we can arrive in Europa League.
Individually how is this season going for you?
– This is the last season in Nacional and i am happy. I have signed a one year and a half contract with Nacional. The people in the club are good. I live alone here but i have the company of a good friend – Aly Ghazal. In the last months i had the company of two more egyptians – Ezzat and Fathy. I also have my agent support here that helps me a lot. If i stay here one or two year´s more like this i will be happy. The island is good and i like to leave here.
But you will return to Egypt in the end of the season?
Yes. I´m on loan in Nacional and my club in Egypt is ENPPI. I miss my family already…but if i stayed i will have no problems with that…
You don´t mind leaving Europe?
I want to stay in Europe but the money in Egypt could be the same here or more! There is a lot of things that i miss in Egypt. But if i went to a big club here in Europe off course i will stay in Europe.
You had proposals to leave to a bigger club so far?
Maybe that can happen next summer. Let´s see!
What were the main problems in the adaptation of european football?
The football is different here in Europe. It´s more quick and tough and in África is more slow and the things are different. When i arrived, mister Machado talked a lot with me and told me what i had to. I thing i bring good things to Nacional and when i leave the club i would like that the people can talk well about me.
Are you satisfied with your perfomance or do you want more?
Off course that i want more from me!
«SHIKABALA AND MOHAMED IBRAHIM CAUSED A LOT OF PROBLEMS BUT…»
What are your expectations for the future in the national team of Egypt?
Egypt didn´t arrived to the África Cup of Nations and it was difficult because they changed a lot of players but i hope in the next year we will be there. Now, a lot of players are playing in Europe and that´s good. I hope to be helpfull for the national team in the future.
What is your opinion about egyptian players in Europe?
The people don´t talk so good about egyptian players in Portugal because players like Shikabala and Mohamed Ibrahim caused a lot of problems here but we have a lot of good players in Europe, in England, like Mohamed Salah in Chelsea, and Switzerland. In general, egyptian players don´t cause problems and showed that they can play in european football.
