EXCLUSIVE: Beshir El Tabei, the ex-Zamalek defender, moved to Turkey this season in a move many considered as a blow to Zamalek’s title hopes. He was considered a solid part of the white tribe's defence as well as an established defender for the Egyptian national team. The Caykur Rizespor centre back spoke to EgyptianPlayers.com in an exclusive interview.

His move to the Turkish League greatly improved his form and he proved that in the recent international games. He became an integral part in his Turkish club’s recent success and quickly made a name for himself in the Turkish League, adding much to the already superb reputation of Egyptians in Turkey.

We called Beshir and he spoke honestly about his beginnings and his next move, which will be a shocking move for many.

EP: I am going to ask you straight away, what all Egyptians wonder about: are you going to play for Besiktas the next season?

Beshir: "I read a lot about this matter and I want to lay down the facts for EP readers. After exactly two months in Turkey I was offered a move to Turkey’s biggest club, the mighty Besiktas. And it was all thanks to one man, Riza Calimbay. Riza brought me to the Turkish League because he believes in me and on the other hand he has my utmost respect and faith.

"During my transition period I was alone in Turkey, especially that the city is considered a small town and I had to travel to meet El Saka or Ahmed Hassan. But Riza wisely noticed that and gave me extra attention in training till I found my solitude in the hours I spend with my team-mates and him on the small training pitch. I used to count the hours till the next session, first of all because I had nothing else to do. Then I realised that I actually love working under Riza. I noticed that I had developed greatly under his command and with his guidance.

"I was really sad when he left us to coach Besiktas, but he called me and told me that he will take me there with him as soon as the chance arises. And I promised him to keep working hard so I would be ready when the time comes. Back in January I was supposed to make a move to the Istanbul giants but Besiktas had six foreigners back then, so the move was put on hold until the next transfer window, and I think that I will be in Istanbul by next season."

EP: Do you think your form is the reason behind this move, or does the fact that the coach sees you as capable of deploying his instructions on the field the reason?

Beshir: "I see what you mean. But I want to say a few facts. Rizespor are now the fifth in the league and that’s the highest ranking for the club in long years. I am not relating this to my own success but to the group of players who played the biggest number of games and performed so well, forcing everyone to take notice. I want to add that my performances were actually noticed by the Turkish Football Federation and media and I was the only Arabic or African player to be invited in the friendly game held in honour of Tsunami victims between the Turkish League all-stars.

"But to tell you a secret, I feel that I still have much more to present and prove. Turkey has not yet seen the best of me."

EP: Let’s get back to your first weeks. El Saka told me that you were on the brink of a disappointing U-turn?

Beshir: "Honestly, yes. I was under so much pressure that I called El Saka and Ahmed Hassan seeking their consultancy, and thanks to those two big stars I am now where I am. They helped me come here in the first place, in addition to telling me that if I passed the first six months with no problems, then there are no worries about my career here."