Al-Hilal legend Mohamed Al-Deayea clarifies comments on captain Salem Al-Dawsari

Mohamed Al-Deayea has defended his recent comments about Al-Hilal captain Salem Al-Dawsari, insisting he never said the Saudi Arabia international no longer had a place in the side.

The former Al-Hilal goalkeeper faced strong criticism from sections of the club’s support after discussing Al-Dawsari’s prospects of returning to the starting line-up following a long injury absence.

Appearing on the television programme Dawrina Ghair, Al-Deayea suggested the 35-year-old could find it difficult to reclaim a starting position because of his age and the level of fitness required after being sidelined for an extended period.

Some Al-Hilal fans interpreted those remarks as a dismissal of the captain’s importance to the team.

Al-Deayea explains his position

Al-Deayea responded in a post on X, saying his comments had been taken out of context. He stressed that he had not claimed Al-Dawsari had no future at Al-Hilal, but had instead been referring to the physical preparation needed for the player to compete for a place among the club’s current group of stars.

“First of all, what I said about the star Salem Al-Dawsari was clear. I did not say that Salem has no place at Al-Hilal,” Al-Deayea wrote.

“Salem is one of the legends of Asian football, not just Saudi football or Al-Hilal.”

He added: “I am talking about Salem’s situation after the injury and the long absence. Injuries at the age of 35 always require greater attention to physical readiness so the player can return to his level and work hard.”

Al-Deayea said Al-Dawsari would need to make a significant effort if he wanted to regain his starting role, while also expressing confidence that the winger could do so.

“If Salem Al-Dawsari wants to return and play as a starter, he must work 200% to compete for a starting place among the stars currently here,” he said. “And, God willing, he is capable of doing that.”

The Al-Hilal great also backed Al-Dawsari to remain an important figure for the Saudi Arabia national team.

“God willing, Salem will be the one who leads us as captain of the national team at the Asian Cup,” he said.

Al-Deayea concluded by saying former Al-Hilal players would continue to support the club and work for its stability.

“As former stars, we are always standing with the club, supporting it, and our aim is the club’s interests and stability,” he said. “As for those trying to muddy the waters, I have one word for them: dream on.”

He also said the original video of his comments clearly demonstrated his position and rejected what he described as attempts to distort his words and change their meaning. Al-Dawsari’s potential return to Al-Hilal’s starting line-up is expected to remain a major talking point among the club’s supporters.