Former Egypt national team and Zamalek goalkeeper Captain Nader El-Sayed revealed that losing passion was the main reason behind his decision to retire from football in 2008, emphasizing that he cannot continue any work without true motivation and love.

During his interview with media personality Esraa Younis on the program “Sahibet Al-Saada” broadcast on “dmc” channel, El-Sayed explained that his retirement decision came while he was playing for Enppi club.

He said: “I retired when I lost passion for football. I believe I must have passion for anything I do, and when I lost that drive, there was no reason to continue.”

He added that a professional player aims to achieve multiple goals, including making history, winning championships, and earning financially. He continued: “I reached a stage where I felt I would continue playing just for money, which I did not accept. A person’s provision is in God’s hands, but I did not want money to be my only motivation after passion disappeared.”

El-Sayed clarified that he was completely satisfied with his career and achievements with the clubs he played for and the Egyptian national team, in addition to his professional experience, which made him take the retirement decision with full conviction at that time.

The former Egypt goalkeeper revealed the details of his transfer to Al-Ahly club, explaining that his departure from Zamalek was not directly to the Red Castle but came after an eight-year professional journey. He confirmed that his respect for his history with his former club was the main reason for maintaining the love and appreciation of fans of both clubs.

During the interview, El-Sayed corrected the common misconception about his direct transfer, saying: “I did not transfer directly from Zamalek to Al-Ahly; there were 8 years between them that I spent in professional stints in Belgium and Greece, then playing for Al-Ittihad Alexandria and Al-Masry Port Said.”

Regarding how he maintained the love of Zamalek fans despite joining Al-Ahly, El-Sayed said: “I did not build my popularity by insulting Zamalek. A player who attacks his former club to win the new fans only gains social media followers, not true respect. The aware audience, even Al-Ahly fans, will not respect a player who attacks the club he grew up in.”

About the competition with his teammate Essam El-Hadary at the time, El-Sayed described it as “honest competition,” explaining that having two great goalkeepers in one team raised the level of both. Although he did not play as much as he expected, he respected the coach’s decision and his contract with the club, confirming that commitment and seriousness in training are also contributions worthy of a professional player.

Nader El-Sayed recalled the historic victory in the 1998 African Cup of Nations under the leadership of the late General Mahmoud El-Gohary, emphasizing that this achievement had a special character because it united all Egyptians.

El-Sayed explained that despite his great pride in the championships he won with the two Egyptian football giants, Al-Ahly and Zamalek, winning a championship with the Egyptian national team represents a national event that brings all fans together regardless of their affiliations. He said: “When you win a championship with the Egyptian national team, the joy is for all Egyptians, which makes it a precious memory.”

He revealed the behind-the-scenes of the tournament held in Burkina Faso, noting that the team was not expected to win at all, which made the achievement greater. He added: “No one expected us to win the championship, which doubled the joy. We received a warm welcome at the airport, and former President Hosni Mubarak honored us. It was a great event under the leadership of Captain El-Gohary, may God have mercy on him.”

Regarding his personal achievement in the tournament, Nader El-Sayed mentioned that he was awarded the best goalkeeper title in the tournament, as he conceded only one goal throughout the competition, scored by Moroccan star Mustapha Hadji. He confirmed that championships remain in the memory of fans and immortalize the player’s name in his country’s history.

The former Egypt and Zamalek goalkeeper revealed the secret behind choosing the goalkeeper position, confirming that it was a passion he had since early childhood.

El-Sayed explained that he decided to become a goalkeeper at the age of seven or eight, noting that this decision was strange at the time for his family and friends, as most children tend to play attacking positions to score goals rather than prevent them.

He added that he grew up in his village Kafr Al-Salahat in Dakahlia Governorate, where wide spaces allowed him and his peers to play football continuously. While all children competed to play as attackers, he insisted on standing in goal, enjoying saving shots and preventing goals.

El-Sayed confirmed that he never thought of changing his position throughout his career, although he could have been a good player in any other position, but his love and passion for goalkeeping were decisive from the beginning.

The former Egypt and Zamalek goalkeeper, Nader El-Sayed, recalled the most unforgettable moments in his football career.

In response to a question about the moment he never forgets in his history, El-Sayed confirmed that winning the African Champions Clubs Cup with Zamalek in 1993 was a turning point.

He described the final match against Ghana’s Ashanti Kotoko as an “epic,” noting that it was at the beginning of his professional career at only 19 years old, and winning it through penalty shootouts formed a strong start and a special relationship with Zamalek fans.

El-Sayed also touched on other important milestones in his career, including winning the African championship again with Zamalek in 1996, winning the African Cup of Nations with the Egyptian national team in 1998, in addition to his professional experience in Europe, where he was one of the first Egyptian goalkeepers to play.

He concluded his talk by saying that these events and major championships are what create lasting memories for fans and are considered bright marks in any player’s history.