Long journey from city streets to Russia for Sam Morsy
He does not speak Arabic and has a distinct Black Country twang, but Sam Morsy will wear the colours of Egypt with pride at this summer’s World Cup, writes Walker Darke.
The Wolverhampton-born holding midfielder is heading to Russia with the Pharoahs after qualifying through his father’s Egyptian nationality.
And after winning the League One title with Wigan Athletic last season, Morsy cannot wait to take to the field alongside Liverpool star Mohammed Salah – it’s been a long journey to the top after all.
“I was at playing at Wolves from the age of seven until 16,” said Morsy, a boyhood Wolves fan. “I had a brother three years older and my mum used to take him to training, so I ended up signing a year early to the under-8s.”
Growing up in Chapel Ash, Morsy went to school at Woodthorne, Christ Church and Thomas Telford before his football career took him to Port Vale after being released by Wolves at 16.
And that’s where his journey to the World Cup began.
“When I was at Port Vale, a journalist got in touch with me, and he had been showing my clips to the Egyptian fans,” said Morsy. “For a couple of years they had tracked me and two seasons ago at Wigan, I got a call off one of the coaches.
“I got the call-up and I’ve been with the squad two years now.”
Despite the defeat to Belgium in Egypt’s final match before the World Cup, Morsy was in a positive mood when talking to reporters.
He is not going to Russia just to make up the numbers as he has played a part in the last two friendlies against Colombia and Belgium.
And he credits Wigan manager Paul Cook for helping him become an important part of the squad.
“Paul Cook’s had a big influence on my career,” said Morsy. “He took me from Port Vale at 21 (to Chesterfield) where people were writing me off to even have a professional career in the game. He has taken me, developed me, and worked really hard with me.”
Until he returns to the Latics to focus on next season in the Championship, his head will be firmly on group stage clashes with Uruguay, Saudi Arabia and hosts Russia in Egypt’s first World Cup since 1990.
And when asked “Are you looking forward to playing England in the semi-finals?” Morsy answered without hesitation: “Yes I’m looking forward to that game for sure!”
