Belloumi: They tarnished my image to allow Madjer the title of best African player

In the interview he gave to the Qatari daily, Lakhdar Belloumi did not hesitate to point the finger at certain circles in Algeria, without naming them, who have made everything so that is not elected best player of the century in Africa. According to him, these circles have tarnished his image in favor of his fellow Rabah Madjer and Egyptian striker Hussam Hassan who had the honor to win this prestigious title.

• Although Belloumi has not said directly, he suggested that Rabah Madjer was supported by those circles whom he says have helped him to win the award along with the Egyptian Hussam Hassan. Madjer, according to him, did not need this given his exceptional career in the various stages either with the national team or with his club FC Porto, with whom he won the European Cup and his great contribution as leader of the Portuguese club thanks to his historical goal with his heel.
  
  Concerning the provocative statements made by the Egyptian striker Hussam Hassan against him, Belloumi has insisted that the latter's statements came after earlier statements that have been assigned to him, qualifying him one of the best African players but not the best.
  
  The son of Mascara, the Algerian pearl Lakhdar Belloumi decides this time to reveal the main causes that prevented him from trying his experience in Europe, although being one of the best African players in the eighties and also despite the proposals received then from the club of Barcelona. Belloumi said that the regulations in force at the time did not allow him to seek professional experience in Europe and specifically with the great Spanish club who would have wished him in his team before the last choice falls on the Argentinean legend Diego Maradona.
• The injuries also prevented Belloumi from joining Juventus after the contacts of the former French star Michel Platini at the end of  the friendly match between the Algerian national team and Juventus in Algiers in the eighties when Platini has been amazed by the qualities of the Algerian player. Unfortunately for him, the injuries were a barrier between him and a professional career in Europe.
  
  Ennahar / Yacine A.