CAIRO: Mohamed Zidan revealed he has been washing dishes at a restaurant in Denmark before kicking off his football career.

When I was a child I was dreaming of becoming a footballer in Europe, the Borussia Dortmund and Egypt forward told Bild.

I left for Denmark at the age of 17, and for two months, I used to rinse dishes at a restaurant.

Then I won my first professional contract and won the Danish Player of the Year award with Midtjylland.

Zidan also explained how his Danish girlfriend Stina has an impact on his form.

I m totally happy with Stina. She is the best thing that ever happened to me. Before every game I call her from the cabin. That gives me strength, the 27-year-old said.