The 28-year-old first faced accusations of disloyalty to his mother country in June 2007, when he was quoted by Hamburg Magazine as saying that he 'feels more Danish than Egyptian'.

His commitment to his homeland was once again questioned as he was frequently accused of deliberately missing international duty during the Pharaohs' 2010 World Cup qualifying campaign.

On both occasions the Port Said-born player faced a baptism of fire, nevertheless; he knew how to protect his image.

Zidan, who had kicked off his professional career in Denmark, asserted that he was misquoted by the German publication and soon fended off the severe criticism he was subjected to three years ago.

His loyalty also seemed beyond doubt when he got back in Egypt's fold and atoned for his unjustified absence by producing praiseworthy displays in the latter World Cup qualifiers.

Lately, however, the constancy of Zidan's love for Egypt was doubted one more time.

The Borussia Dortmund star got himself into hot water when he knelt down to kiss the floor of the airport upon arriving in Germany early in September.

Pictures of Zidan kissing German ground in delight were widely circulated all over the internet, causing him to be disparaged in Egypt for a while.

Over the Top?

His Germany comeback was made following a mandatory stay in Egypt to resolve problems related to his military service, a fact that was considered by some people no excuse for his prostration position.

"This was over the top. I really don't understand why he kissed the floor when he arrived in Germany," renowned sport pundit and former Egypt goalie Ahmed Shobeir said during his show on Modern TV.

"Does this mean Egypt is a below-par country? Is the ground in Egypt dirty so he only kisses German soil?

"This kind of acts is completely unacceptable. It's also meaningless; people in Germany didn't exactly chant his name for what he did."

A FilGoal.com user, boody_10, also deplored the controversial ground kiss by saying: "What would you do then if you went on a pilgrimage (to Mecca)? That's a strange attitude from a high-profile player."

Zidan, who had ruptured a cruciate knee ligament in a Bundesliga game last April and is set to return to action in the not-too-distance future, quickly shielded himself from further vilification.

He categorically denied his alleged conflict of allegiances and explained himself in a reasonable manner.

"I endured some hard times lately," he told FilGoal.com.

"I sustained a serious knee injury before facing some military problems which delayed my return to Germany and could have affected my future with Dortmund.

"I was over the moon after ending the military problems and returning to Germany. I was also very happy because I near full recovery.

"That's why I knelt down to thank God and kiss the ground. Those were the signs of my happiness.

"I belong to this country, the country where I was born and raised. Kissing the ground in Germany does not mean that I do not love Egypt. My loyalty to Egypt cannot be questioned.

"I'm just grateful to Germany for helping me become a prominent player, it is my second country."

Impressive International Pedigree

Zidan's justifications went down rather well while his impressive international pedigree also guarded his status as a well-liked figure in Egypt.

His distinguished club career was taken into consideration too.

"Notwithstanding the difference of opinion about Zidan, he's the only Egyptian player who has the attributes of a European one in his agility, strength and skills," another FilGoal.com user, zoro23, said.

"We also shouldn't forget his influence in the decisive moments. He was the one who sent two crucial passes in the (Nations Cup) finals in 2008 and 2010, (which resulted in two precious winning goals).

"He also scored a brace against Brazil (in the FIFA Confederations Cup)."

A user nicknamed ahmedmeza said: "Just let the man be. He's the best (Egyptian) foreign-based player and also the finest in the national team."

Hemaeng commented: "At least he's better than Mido who achieved nothing with Egypt. He can kiss whatever he wants as long as he's committed to Egypt while playing."

Furthermore, well-known TV presenter Medhat Shalabi believes that exaggeration from local media was the reason why the former Werder Bremen man was slammed.

"There is absolutely nothing wrong in what Zidan did. He just missed the country (Germany) and was thanking God at the same time," he stated.