محمد الدعيع has rejected claims that he questioned سالم الدوسري’s place at Al-Hilal, saying the club captain must first regain full fitness after his lengthy injury absence before competing for a starting position.
The Al-Hilal legend faced criticism from sections of the club’s support after discussing Al-Dawsari’s prospects of returning to the first team. Speaking on the programme “Dawrينا Ghair”, Al-Deayea suggested the 35-year-old could find it difficult to reclaim his place because of his age and the time he had spent out of action.
Some Al-Hilal fans interpreted the comments as a criticism of the value of their captain. Al-Deayea has now responded in a post on the social media platform X, insisting he never said Al-Dawsari no longer had a role at the club.
“First of all, my comments about the star Salem Al-Dawsari were clear. I did not say that Salem has no place at Al-Hilal,” he wrote.
“Salem is one of the legends of Asian football, not only of Saudi football or Al-Hilal.”
‘He needs to work 200%’
Al-Deayea said his remarks had focused specifically on the physical demands facing Al-Dawsari following his injury and prolonged absence.
“I am talking about Salem’s situation after the injury and the lengthy period away,” he added. “Injuries at the age of 35 always require greater attention to physical readiness so that the player can return to his level and work hard.”
He maintained that Al-Dawsari would have to make a significant effort if he wanted to re-establish himself among Al-Hilal’s starting players, given the strength of the squad currently available.
“If Salem Al-Dawsari wants to return and play as a starter, he must work 200% so that he can compete for a starting place among the stars currently here,” Al-Deayea said. “And, God willing, he is capable of doing that.”
Despite the debate over his comments, Al-Deayea expressed confidence that Al-Dawsari could continue to play a leading role for Saudi Arabia. He said: “And, God willing, Salem will be the one to lead us as captain of the national team at the AFC Asian Cup.”
Al-Deayea also defended the intentions of former Al-Hilal players, saying their priority remained the club’s interests and stability.
“As former players, we are always standing with the club, supporting it, and our aim is the club’s interests and stability,” he said. “As for those who want to fish in troubled waters, I have one thing to say to them: dream on.”
The former goalkeeper concluded by saying that the video of his original comments made his position clear. He rejected what he described as the distortion and alteration of his words, as questions over Al-Dawsari’s return to Al-Hilal’s starting XI continue to attract attention.
