The former Zamalek player initially penned a two-and-half-year contract at Mansoura late in December but he soon backed out of the deal.

Al-Tabie put his sudden decision down to the club's 'limited financial capabilities' as well as the departure of coach Mohamed Salah.

However, the deal unexpectedly went through after the controversial player was coaxed into completing the move.

Lifelong Dream

"My lifelong dream was to join Mansoura and then move to Zamalek," Al-Tabie, 34, told FilGoal.com.

"I have once played for Zamalek, so now I can say I have realized my dream.

"I put pen to paper right away after things were settled with Mansoura's new coaching staff."

Al-Tabie was released by Zamalek in the summer of 2008 after spending a fruitless season at the Cairo club. He played for the White Knights in the early 2000s as well.

He also joined Bursaspor last winter but was offloaded by the Turkish minnows only after a couple of weeks.