Leeds to Decide Within Days; St. Etienne Over

Leeds to Decide Within Days; St. Etienne Over

Date: 26-7-2004
Wrote: EP's reporter in England Karem Ahmed

EXCLUSIVE: Egyptian goalkeeper Rami Shaaban exclusively told EP that Leeds United will decide on whether to sign him in the next couple of days. He also told EP that he didn't feel that a move to St. Etienne was right for him...

Shaaban had been on trial at the Coca-Cola Football League Championship side Leeds United for a few days, in which he took part in the club's friendly game with Oldham Athletic. The keeper kept a clean sheet and made a number of good saves in the game which ended in a 0-0 draw.

Shaaban said to EP: "I'm back after a two day trial at Leeds United. I had two sessions on Thursday that went well, but it was quite hard because they are in the middle of their pre-season. On Friday we had a game against Oldham. We drew 0-0 and I made some great saves. A clean sheet is always good..."

The former Arsenal goalkeeper also stated that the club will make a decision regarding him in the next few days. "I will get an answer tomorrow or the day after that. They have to think about it, and so do I" he said.

Shaaban was full of praise for the club, and their treatment to him during his short stay, but says he is also aware of the club's restraints. "The guys were nice to me and the training ground was first class, but as you know they have financial problems and that's a big issue."

He also told EP of some of the feedback that he received regarding his time at the club. "My agent spoke to the manager and he thought that I was a nice person and that I had a good game. I'm not 100% match fit but that's normal. However, it is an issue for them because the league starts in two weeks, and the fitness coach said that it will take me maybe three or four weeks to get 100% fit... So we will see what their answer is in a couple of days."

Shaaban's trial with St. Etienne was also an important issue to be considered, and Rami told EP that he enjoyed his time with the French side, but that he felt it would not be a suitable move for him. "About St. Etienne, it was a nice week in Biarritz. I got an offer but it was not good enough, and they saw me as a 'number two' to start with. I don't have a problem with this in the beginning because I lacked first team football last year, but I also felt that I wasn't 100% wanted, and that's not good."

The St. Etienne talk seems to be over as the club has found a goalkeeper, which they signed on loan. "They only have to pay half of his wages," commented Shaaban. "They couldn't say no to that."