Mahmoud Hassan Trezeguet has revealed that his return to Al Ahly was driven by unwavering loyalty to his former club.
Speaking ahead of the Club World Cup campaign, Trezeguet admitted that his comeback to his boyhood club was non-negotiable the moment he received a phone call from Al Ahly president Mahmoud El-Khatib.
"There were no talks before. But when El-Khatib called and said the club needed me, I told my agents: either I come back to Al Ahly, or I quit football," the 29-year-old winger said.
According to the player, Trabzonspor initially demanded a high fee. "If they didn't sell, I was ready to stay home. I wasn't coming back to Egypt for any club other than Al Ahly."
The winger rejected more lucrative local offers, and even international ones worth triple his current salary. "This isn't about money or the Club World Cup," he said. "I signed for five years. I came back to win, not to retire."
Trezeguet also dismissed any concern over squad status. "Leadership here is earned, not handed out. Al Ahly has a system, if you don't respect it, you won't last."
He praised new teammate Zizo, calling him a "top player and great addition."
Reflecting on his media presence, he said: "I've never gotten my due. But I don't wait for praise. I know my performance the second a match ends."
Trezeguet is currently in Miami with Al Ahly preparing for the Club World Cup. The team opens its campaign against Lionel Messi's Inter Miami on June 15.