Ceramica Cleopatra skipper Mohamed Ibrahim has revealed he was close to joining South African giants Mamelodi Sundowns in 2016.
Ibrahim led Ceramica Cleopatra to their first-ever title just a few days ago after they clinched the Egypt League Cup over Al Masry.
The 31-year-old is no stranger to lifting titles, having represented Zamalek from 2011 to 2019, which earned him a move to Portugal’s Marítimo in 2014.
However, Ibrahim could have had another spell abroad after receiving an offer from Sundowns in 2016 during the peak of his career, before suffering a famous injury against the same club during a CAF Champions League encounter.
“Moïne Chaâbani wanted to sign me for Esperance. He spoke to Ceramica Cleopatra’s officials, and my response was that they should do what they deem suitable.
“But Cleopatra insisted on keeping me, and that made me happy. Esperance is a big team, but I’m content with Ceramica Cleopatra.
“I also received an offer from Mamelodi Sundowns during Pitso Mosimane’s tenure, before my injury in the match against them. Maybe I would have accepted it.
Regarding whether Zamalek contacted him for a return, he said, “Zamalek asked for my return twice before, during my time at Misr El-Makkasa and Ceramica Cleopatra.
“I didn’t mind, and I asked them to speak with the club officials both times, but it didn’t materialize in the end, and I don’t know the reason.”
