Signing for Hull City no longer a gamble, says Ahmed Elmohamady

WHEN Hull City proudly walk out to play their first game back in the Premier League at Stamford Bridge on August 17, many fans will feel the Tigers are back where they belong.

And as he warms up ready to take on the giants of Chelsea – in their first game back under 'The Special One' Jose Mourinho – Ahmed Elmohamady will personally feel the same.

Having been brought over to English football to make his name in the Premier League by Steve Bruce in 2010, and impressing in his first season at Sunderland, Elmohamady suddenly found himself out of favour following Bruce's sacking.

Flash back 12 months, and rather than the growing feeling of excitement in his stomach at present, it was one of uncertainty for the Egyptian.

The 25-year-old winger knew he was not going to feature in Martin O'Neill's plans.

But convinced he had done enough to prove his top-flight abilities, he did not envisage having to drop down into the Championship to re-ignite his career.

Then, when Bruce came knocking for a second time, now managing a Hull City side he felt could seriously push for promotion, Elmohamady, in his own words, took a 'gamble'.

And now, having signed a three-year deal at the KC Stadium to complete a £2m move from the Stadium of Light, Elmohamady is delighted Bruce convinced him to take a small step back to make a giant leap forward.

"It was a gamble," Elmohamady admitted as he looked back on his loan from the Black Cats last season.

"Sometimes in your life and your career you have to take a gamble, and this was what I took leaving Sunderland to play with Hull in the Championship.

"Thankfully we had a fantastic season last year to win promotion and I am really looking forward to playing in the Premier League with Hull.

"It was a really good move for me as I really enjoyed being able to play here last year, especially with the fantastic players we have.

"The fans were great too, and the atmosphere at the club has been fantastic. That is why I love to play here and why I wanted to stay here and play with this team in the top league."

Sat in the East Stand, where fans will roar him on against the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool next season, it is clear Elmohamady can't wait to start, and to be back amongst friends when the City squad gathers for pre-season training on Thursday.

"All the players are close to each other and together, and this is why we did so well last year and played such good football," he added.

"Because we are all together, we play well, and I think this year will be the same."

Given his form last season, Elmohamady's deal to join the Tigers always appeared something of a formality.

But with the pre-season creeping nearer, and supposed interest from the likes of Southampton and Crystal Palace, some did raise concern as to whether last season's player of the year would return.

Elmohamady, however, insists there was never any doubt over where he would be playing his football, and says as soon as he was able to head to Hull and sign, he did.

"Yes, there was some interest but I only ever thought about joining Hull," he said.

"I was away with the national team and we did well in our World Cup qualifying games in taking six points. I decided to come back from that and see what was happening. Yes, there were some clubs interested, but I want to play here.

"It has been great to sign the deal, especially after last year playing in the promotion winning side. I wanted to continue on."

So, promotion secured, a new three-year deal in his hand, and his place back in the top flight, the gamble has more than paid off.

But, the big question still remains. Can Hull City cut it in the Premier League?

"I think we can handle it and really do something next season," he says confidently.

"I believed we could be in the Premier League last season and do well there because we play great football.

"You have to be at your fittest and concentrate fully in every game, home and away, as it is the best league in the world. But I hope we will be in the top teams in the league. I really believe we can be."