Marwan Atia, midfielder of Al-Ahly's first football team, expressed his great joy at continuing with the Red Fortress after extending his contract with the club until 2030, noting that this step represents an additional motivation for him to keep competing for all titles and delighting the fans.
In an interview with Al-Ahly's official website, Marwan Atia discussed the behind-the-scenes details of his contract extension, his journey with the team, the most memorable matches he has played, and his ambitions with the Red Fortress in the coming period.
Contract Extension and Al-Ahly's Trust
Marwan Atia expressed his happiness regarding Al-Ahly management's trust in his abilities, confirming that the procedures for extending his contract did not take long, as he felt significant appreciation from club officials following his return from participating with the Egyptian national team in the World Cup.
The midfielder explained that Al-Ahly officials spoke with him immediately upon his return from the tournament regarding extending his contract, in appreciation of what he had delivered during the previous period, which made him feel his value and status within the club.
He pointed out that the fans dubbing him "one of the club's sons" is a great source of pride for him, but at the same time, it places greater responsibility on him, especially since belonging to Al-Ahly is a dream cherished by every player.
"I Achieved My Childhood Dream"
Marwan confirmed that his goal from day one within Al-Ahly was to strive and give his utmost, both on and off the pitch, to become an influential part of the club, something he believes has indeed been achieved.
He added that his joining Al-Ahly came during a period that witnessed the formation of a distinguished generation that achieved numerous accomplishments, noting his pride in belonging to the group of players who secured major successes with the team.
Marwan spoke about the period he spent under the leadership of Marcel Koller, confirming that the team succeeded in winning five titles in a single season, alongside achieving a series of consecutive victories, which he sees as part of a new golden generation in the club's history.
The Al-Ahly Jersey: "A Great Responsibility"
Marwan Atia believes that playing in the Al-Ahly jersey is unlike any other experience due to the magnitude of responsibility and pressure that accompanies representing the club.
He explained that wearing the Al-Ahly jersey requires a strong personality and a different mindset, along with constant focus on and off the pitch, noting that joining the Red Fortress represents a major turning point in any player's career.
He confirmed that Al-Ahly provided him with opportunities for development and gaining significant experience, in addition to participating in international tournaments and forums, which helped him acquire experiences difficult to obtain anywhere else.
Facing Messi... The Most Prominent Match
Marwan Atia revealed his pride in several matches he played while wearing the Al-Ahly jersey, but he placed the match against American club Inter Miami in the Club World Cup among his most prominent milestones.
He explained that being tasked with marking Argentine Lionel Messi during the match was a major challenge, confirming that he succeeded in delivering a distinguished performance during the encounter.
Marwan noted that he engaged in nine direct confrontations with Messi during the match and managed to win the ball from him on seven occasions, which makes him very proud of this encounter.
He also spoke about the match between Al-Ahly and Al-Ittihad Jeddah in Saudi Arabia, during which he received the Man of the Match award, as well as the African Champions League final against Morocco's Wydad Casablanca, where Al-Ahly clinched the title at the Moroccan team's stadium thanks to Mohamed Abdelmonem's goal.
The Goal Against Sharqia Enppi Was No Coincidence
Marwan Atia addressed his goal against Sharqia Enppi during Al-Ahly's opening match in the league championship, confirming that he consistently strives to attempt shooting from outside the penalty area.
He explained that he has many attempts during matches, but some end with saves by goalkeepers, while others hit the post or crossbar.
He added that converting these chances would have granted him more goals, but ultimately, he considers goals a blessing from God and a culmination of the effort exerted by all his teammates on the pitch.
Commitment Is Al-Ahly's Defining Trait
Marwan emphasized that his primary focus remains on the pitch, while always striving to adhere to Al-Ahly's character and rules.
He noted that before joining the team, he often heard about the strict system within the club, but he discovered firsthand the extent of discipline in every detail, starting from training sessions, matches, and camps, extending to behaviors on and off the pitch.
He confirmed that every step within Al-Ahly is calculated because the player does not represent only himself but carries the responsibility of the club's jersey and history.
Marwan's Message to Al-Ahly Fans
Marwan Atia admitted that last season did not meet Al-Ahly's ambitions or those of its fans, but he stressed that the team is determined to present a different image during the current season.
He said that Al-Ahly players are aware of the magnitude of their responsibility and will exert their maximum effort to compete for all titles, citing the phrases: "The lion may fall ill, but it does not die," and "Al-Ahly returns with a thousand comebacks."
He confirmed that the team possesses a distinguished group of players, following new reinforcements alongside experienced veterans, noting that the technical staff is continuously working to reach the best level and achieve the required results.
"The Fans Are the Primary Driving Force"
Marwan Atia concluded his remarks by emphasizing the importance of Al-Ahly fans in the team's journey, explaining that their presence behind the players grants them more confidence and enthusiasm, while simultaneously doubling the responsibility resting on everyone's shoulders.
He confirmed that Al-Ahly players will continue to exert their utmost effort to delight the fans and achieve the club's perpetual goal of competing for all titles and being crowned champions.
