Pyramids FC shot stopper Sherif Ekramy has spoken about the reported internal conflict inside the first team in regards to the captaincy issue, and also responded to the accusations of teammate El-Mahdy Soliman.
Ekramy made the switch from Cairo giants Al Ahly to rising side Pyramids at the beginning of the 2020/21 season following the expiry of his deal with the Red Devils.
Since his arrival, the 37-year-old goalkeeper immediately earned a starting spot in the team ahead of Ahmed El-Shennawy and El-Mahdy Soliman for head coach Rodolfo Arruabarrena.
Persistent rumors have speculated that there is an internal clash between Pyramids’ senior players over the captain armband, but all were debunked by Ekramy.
“I joined Pyramids when I was Al Ahly captain, would I aim to wear the armband of any other team after that?” Ekramy told ON Time Sport TV.
“Pyramids was launched three years ago and the club decided the parameters of choosing the team captain and it’s their right to choose. Once in a game none of the club captains were available so I was given the captain armband.
“I knew later on that this irritated some of the players and I reached them all out. I am totally insensitive regarding this [captaincy] matter.
El-Mahdy Soliman had posted a cryptic message on Instagram implying his frustration over lack of playing time this season, especially with the arrival of Ekramy, which saw him train alone since then.
“I spoke with Soliman and told him that I don’t like this situation and that I feel him because I was in the same situation at Al Ahly and that he has to have patience.”
“Things heated up and I got bothered because it wasn’t only harmful to myself but also for the entire team. My relationship with Soliman is now formal.”
“No goalkeeper puts condition in his contract to always play as a starter. I played for 10 years at Al Ahly, eight as a starter and I also played abroad. I don’t need to require playing as a starter at Pyramids.”
