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Anderlecht To Honor ACN Winner, Hassan

Date: 21-2-2007
Wrote by: EP's reporter Ahmad Matar

Despite arriving a week late to Belgium and the 20.000 EUROs fine, Anderlecht will honor the Egyptian captain Hassan for winning the Africa Cup of Nations.

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Hassan's comments upon arrival:

A couple of days ago, Hassan arrived in Belgium. That was a week later than what Anderlecht had expected. At the airport the midfielder was warmly received. Some supporters from Egypt were in the airport awaiting the Egyptian star while holding the Egyptian flags. There were also a dozen of Belgian journalists.

"I want to thank everyone for the congratulations and warm welcome" said Hassan.

"I also congratulate Belgium, because I play in this country and Belgium has now a winner of the Africa Cup. I am glad to be back." he added.

Of course he was immediately asked about the reason why he arrived too late in the club?

"After our victory in the Africa Cup, I had to rest", he said.

'There were also a meeting with the president and other celebrations. If you play many matches in the Belgian competition, the UEFA Cup, and then the Africa Cup, you will need rest and to spend a few days with the family.

"Now I can concentrate fully on my matches with Anderlecht again".

When asked a question about whether he could play today against Bordeaux, Hassan responded with a smile and said:

"I must first undergo a medical examination and see "

Regarding the 20.000 EUROs fine that was imposed on the Egyptian, he said:

"I apologize to Anderlecht" Hassan continued. "I accept all the penalties, because those are the rules of the club. I am a professional and have to abide by these rules".

Anderlecht coach backs Hassan:

Herman van Holsbeeck gave him more back up. "Everything is regulated," said the manager.

'Hassan accepted the fine and came back to join us in our trip to France. He has been excused.

"why should I not forgive him? Everything is fine".

When the coach was asked by journalists, whether Hassan can still participate with Anderlecht after they had good results without him.

'Hassan in the Africa Cup proved that he is more than a number 10, said Van Holsbeeck.

'If we qualify against Bordeaux then Anderlecht will play three matches per week in average. We will certainly need Hassan. Last year he lead Anderlecht to win the league championship. It is for Hassan to prove that he can find that level back".


For anyone to prove that his injury was not a fake, Hassan showed the scratches on his calf.

"I will train and then I will see how I feel. My calf is still swollen, but that's OK".

Yesterday, physios told Hassan that he can travel to Bordeaux and play despite this injury and so the Egyptian travelled to France to face Bordeuax tonight (Thursday).

Anderlecht to honor Hassan:

My team-mates have congratulated me for the Africa Cup and even sang with me. The trainer also congratulated me. I am proud that he is a good trainer as Ariel Jacobs was.

It should also be noted that Anderlecht will hold a special ceremony to honor Hassan for winning the Cup of Nations. They planned to hold this ceremony last week but since the Egyptian arrived late, they had to postpone it till their return from the trip to France.

Hassan ready to fight for his place in the starting line-up:

"I know that the team is currently doing well and I am not afraid to compete for the position. I have to prove myself. Anderlecht could even be champion. If the coach needs me against Bordeaux, I will give my all".

EP will keep you updated...