Football
Mattias Karen, Arsenal correspondent 8y

Arsenal's Mohamed Elneny can boost Egyptian football - Rami Shaaban

Former Arsenal goalkeeper Rami Shaaban thinks Mohamed Elneny can give Egyptian football a major boost by becoming something "really big" at the London club.

Shaaban played international football for Sweden, but has an Egyptian father and started his career in Cairo, meaning he has a good grasp of what the sport means in the country.

And while Egypt winger Mohamed Salah may be better known internationally after a stint at Chelsea, Shaaban thinks Elneny can turn into something special.

"Looking at Egyptian players historically, there have been some amazing talents, but only a few have been able to take that step. I think that Mohamed Elneny will be one of them," Shaaban told the Arsenal website. "I think he's going to fit the club perfectly, and listening to what the boss says about him as well only makes me more convinced."

Shaaban's own Arsenal career was rather short. He joined the club in 2002 as a backup to David Seaman and became the unexpected starter that season when the England veteran sustained an injury.

After making his debut with a clean-sheet in a Champions League game against PSV Eindhoven, Shaaban played four more matches before breaking his leg and being ruled out for the season.

He was in the squad for the 2003-04 "Invincibles" season, but remained a backup and spent part of the campaign out on loan before leaving in the summer.

Elneny is the first Egyptian national to play for Arsenal, but Shaaban had been approached by the Egyptian FA about a call-up shortly before his leg break. Eventually, he chose Sweden, when then-coach Lars Lagerback promised him a spot in the 2006 World Cup squad.

While he earned 16 caps for Sweden, his Egyptian heritage also made Shaaban a big name in his father's country, so he can understand the attention that Elneny is getting back home.

"Football is like a religion for Egyptians, especially with the tough times in Egypt at the moment," Shaaban said. "I remember when I went to Egypt. It was like a superstar had arrived at the airport. For me it was a shock.

"You can't compare that with Sweden. In Egypt, they really praise their stars.

"He [Elneny] has really adapted and I hope he gets more and more time. But it will take time. I hope he can make that step to be a regular and become something really big at Arsenal."

^ Back to Top ^