Hassan El-Shazli, the well-known famous Egyptian player, discovered Aboutrika's talent and wanted to see it developed. Hassan El-Shazli related that Aboutrika and a defender were being sought out by the chairman of Tersana but the salary offered them was disparate in favor of Aboutrika. Hassan El-Shazli could not convince Aboutrika he was more valuable to the team than his potential teammate so he would not sign unless the salary was the same, the lower amount if need be. The salaries were set at the lower level and he signed.