CAIRO: Emad Meteb said that Standard Liege’s lack of potential triggered his move back to Egypt.
The international striker signed a two-year deal with Standard but terminated his contract before even making one appearance for the Belgian side.
He first cited military service and his brother’s severe illness as reasons behind his return to Cairo.
However, Meteb added in an extensive interview with Ahly channel on Monday night that upon arriving in Liege, he realized that the club won’t fulfill his dreams.
"I don’t want to go into details because I had a very warm reception at Standard and I have a big respect for the club," the 27-year-old said.
"But I had a certain image about the club and was surprised to find something else. I wouldn’t have done anything of what I wished at Standard."
Asked by the host whether he means the difference between playing for six-time African Champions League winners Ahly and a ‘mid-table’ side in Belgium, Meteb answered briefly: "Correct."
Standard are known to be one of the two Belgian giants alongside Anderlecht, both competing in an often two-horse race for the Jupiler Pro League.
They won the league 10 times, with the latest title coming in 2008-2009 season. Standard were also crowned as Belgian Cup winners on five occasions.
Meteb announced he will join Ahly in January after reaching an out-of-court settlement with Standard, avoiding an expected fine and ban by FIFA.
He was hailed as the biggest summer signing for Standard but his shocking decision attracted huge criticism from officials and media.
"The Egypt striker presented like a star, is now gone like a thief," wrote Standard’s official website back then.
