Ragab Bakar, former Pyramids FC and Egypt national team player, gave explosive statements to ON Sport about his mysterious absence from the pitch, his club career highlights, and his opinions on current Egyptian football stars ⚽🔥.
Shock of the Absence and Pyramids Contract Issue
Bakar expressed his surprise at stepping away from football: "I don’t know why I stepped away recently. I didn’t want to retire early. I was one of the best right-backs in Egypt, praised by everyone, and what happened to me was unexpected."
He explained the main reason behind his departure from Pyramids: "I asked for my contract to be upgraded to the top category because I was a key player and deserved it. Also, Ali Gabr and Mohamed Hamdy were factors in my leaving Pyramids."
On Player Values and Right-Back Position in Egypt
Regarding player salaries, Bakar said: "No player in Egypt deserves 20 million EGP except Abdallah El-Said."
About the right-back position, he added: "Egypt suffers in this position, and Mohamed Hany is currently the best available."
National Team and Coaches
Speaking about his AFCON 2019 experience: "I was sacrificed in Egypt’s squad for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in favor of Omar Gaber."
On coaches, Bakar said: "Ali Maher is currently the best coach in Egypt. As for Hossam Hassan, he’s doing well with the national team and needs trust; the main problem is defensive absences."
Message to Officials and the Football Federation
He concluded with a message to the Football Association and sports authorities: "Support talented players and stand by them in their crises. The problem in Egyptian football is that the absent player is often forgotten." 🙏⚽
