Islam Eissa, the winger for Ceramica Cleopatra, revealed the behind-the-scenes details of his injury with the Egyptian national team ahead of the 2026 World Cup, as well as negotiations with Al Ahly and Al Zamalek.
Islam Eissa suffered a cruciate ligament tear during a friendly match against Spain before the World Cup competitions.
Eissa said in a statement via On Sport channel: "I felt anxious at the moment of my injury against Spain with the Egyptian national team, and it was the scans that confirmed my cruciate ligament injury."
He added: "Hossam Hassan told me that, God willing, the injury would not be a cruciate ligament tear. What made me anxious was that the injury was in the knee."
He continued: "I was crying heavily because I felt that my dream had ended. I was waiting for the chance to participate in the World Cup, but thank God for everything."
He went on to say: "Hossam Hassan supported me a lot and mentioned my name on more than one occasion, and I am very grateful to him."
Islam Eissa also spoke about previous negotiations with Al Ahly and Al Zamalek to sign him.
The Ceramica Cleopatra player clarified: "I received an offer from Al Ahly when I was a player for El Masry, and I do not know the reasons why the deal was not completed. Al Zamalek negotiated with me during several periods, but the negotiations were not official."
He concluded: "I do not have a preferred choice between Al Ahly and Al Zamalek. What is most important to me is playing and participating (it is not acceptable to go to a place just to play for a few minutes), in addition to the club's atmosphere and whether it is stable or not. All of this is important to me."
