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EXCLUSIVE:
EP interviewed the solid defender Abdelzaher El Saka
to ask him about his next step in his successful European
career.
El Saka succeeded in building a reputation
in Turkey by being consistent for so many years. His
performances earned him the prestigious award of “Defender
of the Year” issued by Turkish League sponsors
“TurkCell” for two consecutive seasons.
El Saka’s contract is nearly over and he doesn’t
want to sign the renewal offered by his Turkish outfit
Genclerbirligi. He publicly announced that his next
destination will be the Premiership.
EP: In Egypt’s last week World Cup qualifier
against Libya some English eyes were watching you...
El Saka: "It’s not a secret because
I already said that [to EP]. My next step will be England.
For quite some time I was followed by English scouts
because my playing style perfectly suits the Premiership.
I am a strong player physically, who is good in the
air and as you know I am really dangerous when I advance
in set pieces.
"In the last game I was scouted by English scouts
reporting for Fulham, Bolton and Millwall. And I can
confirm that a member of Fulham’s coaching staff
will be at my next Turkish League game versus Ankara
so their interest is genuine, because it will be the
third time that they send someone to watch me play."
EP: What about offers from within Turkey?
El Saka: "I have an offer from Trabzonspor
which is a club enjoying a very successful period, and
is currently second in the league table. But the problem
is that after all those years in Turkey I am looking
for a new challenge elsewhere. And I can’t think
of any league but the Premiership because I heard a
lot about the atmosphere there."
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