Egypt and Zamalek striker Amr Zaki seeks departure to rescue the Cairo giants' finances, denies having a chronic knee injury and is confident that the Whites' pace will earn them the league title The Pharaohs' striker Amr Zaki has denied any rift with Zamalek's technical staff, affirming that his departure is essential to solve the club's financial crisis. “My request to leave the club doesn't mean that I have clashed with the technical staff but it's is important to support the club's funding,” the international striker said in an interview with Gouda Abou El Nour in Al Ahram Al Riady (the specialised sports magaizine of Al Ahram) on Wednesday. “When I joined English Premier League side Wigan in 2008, Zamalek gained 30 million Egyptian pounds. If they refused to let me go this time, it's OK,” he added. It was reported recently that Gulf clubs are targeting the White Castle hitman who refused to reveal any details to safeguard Zamalek. “Yes, I have received some offers but I won't talk about it to keep my team focused on the league title race. I hope to win it before playing abroad again,” the 28-year-old striker confirmed. Zaki was out of action most of the season because of a knee injury, but he denied the rumours that it may be oblige him end his career early. “I have totally recovered from my knee injury after undergoing a long term rehab program. “My recent absence was because of a pelvis injury but I am now fit to play in our upcoming matches,” explained Zaki. Despite being omitted from Egypt's squad for the crucial 2012 ACN qualifier against South Africa last Sunday, Zaki denies all reports about attacking the Pharaohs' former coach Hassan Shehata. “I had hoped to play the match to prove my worth again especially as I played four games with Zamalek after recovering, but in the end I respect the technical staff's decision,” the former Wigan and Hull City player said. Zaki confirmed his good relationship with his front line teammates, adding that the competition between them is good for the team. “All that was reported about clashes between me and Mido is not true as we are both targeting our team's success,” Zaki commented. Zamalek, who leads the league table with 46 points, has lost 10 points since the start of the second round of the domestic league, but Zaki is confident in his team's chances to win the title. “We still have difficult matches, but we will play only to win to keep our place at the summit. There will be stiff competition between Zamalek, Ahly and Ismaily for the title and the hero will be determined in the last round,” Zaki concluded.
