Rami Rabia, the defender of the Egyptian national team, revealed the behind-the-scenes of his departure from Al-Ahly, confirming that his decision was not due to the financial offer, but rather in search of appreciation, stressing that he will not wear the shirt of any club inside Egypt except Al-Ahly.
Rami Rabia
Club: Al Ain
Rami Rabia joined the Emirati Al Ain after leaving Al-Ahly Club in the summer of 2025.
Rabia said via MBC Egypt: "At the time of my departure, it was said that I left Al-Ahly because I requested a large sum of money, but the truth is completely different".
He continued: "Al-Ahly's management believed that these two seasons would be my last with the club, so I saw that I had the right to receive the appreciation that suits this stage of my career".
He added: "The matter was not related to greed or money, but to appreciation. When a player feels that the club sees him in his final years, it is natural for him to expect appreciation that matches that".
He revealed: "Al-Ahly negotiated with me a few days before the transfer window closed, and then many rumors spread that I had negotiated with other clubs, and in the eyes of some I turned into someone looking for money or even a traitor, and this was not true".
He continued: "What happened was just an offer and demand, which is normal in football. The club makes its offer, and I have the right to accept or reject, and I asked for the figure I deemed appropriate, and I did not know whether the club would agree to it or not, but I have the right to determine my value".
He continued: "Financial appreciation gives the player greater motivation to give, and it never means that his loyalty to the club is linked to money. My loyalty to Al-Ahly was never in doubt, as I have been with the club since I was 10 years old, and no one can question that".
He added: "I understand the fans' anger, and if I were in their place I might have felt the same, but the truth is that I did not move to the direct rival, and I did not take any step against Al-Ahly's interests".
He concluded: "I preferred to have a new experience outside Egypt, because I found at Al Ain Club in the Emirates a highly professional environment, whether in management, organization, or care for the players, and if I return to Egypt one day, I will not play for any club other than Al-Ahly".
Rabia played 339 matches with Al-Ahly, scoring 18 goals and providing 8 assists.
