Shehata was blacklisted along with many other celebrities for supporting Mubarak during the 18-day revolt, which resulted in the overthrow of the 83-year-old on 11 February.

The former Zamalek star reiterated that he has never been an ardent disciple of the toppled commander-in-chief, saying he took part in a pro-Mubarak protest only because he refused to see him insulted.

"I used to congratulate the Egyptian population through president Mubarak … he visited our training sessions more than once," Shehata told Tahrir TV.

"These good memories are the reason why I backed him up when I heard insults against him.

"I went to Mostafa Mahmoud Square (where the pro-Mubarak protesters used to congregate) only once, that doesn't mean I was against the revolution.

"I am not really into politics, I didn't know that the parliamentary elections were rigged," Shehata explained.