Columbus, Ohio The difficulty for Wessam Abou Ali, a new striker for the Columbus Crew, will go beyond simply switching leagues.
Columbus’ most recent addition is traveling halfway across the globe, having joined from Al Ahly in Egypt, where he participated in 59 games throughout the previous two seasons. However, Abou Ali is looking forward to the task.
I like to be among people. I’m gregarious. I enjoy a good laugh. Speaking to reporters on Tuesday at Lower.com pitch, Abou Ali revealed a side of himself that fans rarely see: I like to make people laugh and just be silly off the pitch. All I want to do is live my life and, ideally, succeed with the Crew. Because I came across the world for that reason. I didn’t come here to live or take a vacation. However, as a city and as Columbus, I’m shocked. Issa (Tall), the Crew General Manager, told me a lot of positive things about it, but I was still taken aback and immediately felt somewhat at home.
More on the Columbus Crew
-
Columbus Crew will face an international soccer icon at Huntington Bank Field in April 2025
-
Ohio Metallica fans rejoice! Rock Hall inductees to headline two days of Sonic Temple festival in May
-
What s new in Ohio tourism for 2024: record-breaking Cedar Point coaster, Great Council State Park, MLS All-Stars and more
-
Ohio state fair commission grants extra land to Columbus Crew near stadium site for practice fields
-
Columbus Crew vs. LAFC in MLS Cup: FREE live stream, time, channel
A recurring subject throughout the discussion was striking a balance between accepting his new environment and staying laser-focused on his career objectives. Although Abou Ali’s path to Columbus wasn’t easy—the transfer procedure took place between December and only recently—his dedication remained unwavering.
“I was in a good club, and the club wanted me, and they were happy to have me,” he said emphatically, “so Columbus was always my first priority, even though it looked difficult at times.”
The attacker started getting ready for Major League Soccer long before he ever set foot in Ohio. He disclosed that I had been (following the Crew) since essentially the week or so before to my signing. I was following along and watched the games. I followed the squad and sent Issa images while watching the entire Leagues Cup late at night in Egypt.
He prepared himself with the same level of professionalism. “I got in touch with people inside the club when I signed,” said Abou Ali, who lauded the club’s organization for assisting him in adjusting to life off the field. Even though I wasn’t present, (Manager of Soccer Operations Elena Lemus) and (Director of Soccer Operations Julio Velasquez) have assisted me with things like looking at vehicles and residences and settling here. That was really helpful to me as well.
The physical difficulties of joining a team in the middle of the season after coming from a different league schedule were also discussed at the news conference.
My most recent match was in the June Club World Cup against Porto. Abou Ali responded to questions on his fitness by saying, “Unfortunately, it’s off season in Egypt when the season is going here.” However, after a number of tests and scans, my hamstring is doing well. I’m also becoming in shape now.
His initial thoughts about exercising with his new colleagues were one of joy and respect: Extremely, extremely impressed. This team’s skill with the ball is evident. People are incredibly quick-witted.
Abou Ali’s clarity about his goals in Major League Soccer may have been the most telling. His response, “I want to win,” when asked about his objectives, demonstrated both a sense of personal ambition and a team-first approach. I’d like to take home awards. I came mostly for that purpose. For me, that is the most crucial thing. Naturally, I also want to score some goals because I’m a personal man. My goal is to succeed personally, ideally in tandem with the team.
In addition to being a career transfer, Abou Ali’s trip from one of Africa’s largest clubs to Major League Soccer is a cultural shift that he is eagerly and purposefully embracing.
