At 34-year-old Mohammed Aboutrika for the first time leaves Egypt and his lovely club, Al Ahly. The Pharaohs’s midfielder was loaned for six months to the UAE club, Bani Yas.

Aboutrika has signed his contract on Sunday. In his press conference of presentation, the player gave the reasons for his coming into the Gulf.

“The main reason I am here is the national team. We have line of sight and the 2014 World Cup if I want to remain competitive for the Pharaohs, I had to make a choice, “said Aboutrika.

Aboutrika will bib 72 to Bani Yas, allowing for the first time his favorite number 22. “Everyone knows the importance I attach to 22. But 72 is still more to my eyes, “he said.

Indeed, the best African player of the year 2012 decided to wear this figure as a tribute to the 72 victims of Al Ahly Club at Port Said a year ago.