CAIRO: Former Zamalek forward Gamal Hamza said he only joined Ahly because he found no interest from his old club.

The 28-year-old, who spent most of his career with the Whites, made a shock move to arch-rivals Ahly after signing from Gouna on a free transfer starting June.

Hamza admitted he had been waiting for Zamalek to approach him, but the Ahly offer preceded and was too good to turn down.

I was expecting Zamalek to contact me, but it didn’t happen, so I had to move on with my career, the Egypt international told CNN s Arabic version.

When the Ahly offer came I accepted it immediately because I won t be waiting my whole life for Zamalek.

Some players find it very difficult to move from Zamalek to Ahly and vice-versa, and I am one of those.

I have been with Zamalek since I was eight and my father was a former player as well, but I also had very difficult times at the club and I hope the fans would understand my decision.

No doubt the Ahly move was a far-fetched option for me, but it is a great club and I this move could be my redemption.

Hamza left Zamalek for Bundesliga side Mainz last year in search for a European career .

But the talented forward s spell in Germany has been anything but successful, which eventually saw him released from his contract in October 2009.