Algerian Sayoud 'walking comfortably on Cairo streets'
السبت، 30 أكتوبر 2010 - 20:51
كتب : Hatem Maher
The Algerian playmaker was on the verge of leaving Ahli in the aftermath of the infamous dispute between the two countries following last year's ill-tempered World Cup qualifiers in Cairo and Sudan.
But the Red Devils decided to keep hold of the 20-year-old despite being pressured into selling him by some of the team's fans.
"The dispute which resulted from the World Cup qualifying games between Egypt and Algeria has completely ended," Sayoud told Algerian paper Elheddaf on Saturday.
"Things have become much better now, I'm very comfortable in Cairo. I walk on its streets comfortably without any annoyance."
Sayoud said last year he received death threats following Algeria's controversial 1-0 victory over Egypt in a playoff game in Sudan.
Ahli then loaned him out to Kuwaiti side Arabi, where he spent six months before returning to the Egyptian champions in the close season.
"I feared for my life at that time to the extent that I went to Ismailia to shelter," Sayoud added.
"However, everything has changed now. I'm living a normal life in Cairo."
Sayoud produced some impressive displays in several friendly games but coach Hossam Al-Badri is yet to give him the chance to prove his worth in competitive matches.
Al-Badri recently hinted that he would rely more on him during the coming period following Ahli's elimination from the African Champions League semis at the hands of Tunisia's Esperance.
Sayoud, a diminutive playmaker who is renowned for his neat footwork, showed glimpses of his talent during some of Ahli's friendly and youth games.