The 26-year-old joined his boyhood club from English second-division side Middlesbrough on loan until the end of the season.

He struggled to win over critics after some disappointing displays early in the season but has begun to regain top form following the appointment of Hossam Hassan as Zamalek's manager.

However, he has no plans to turn his loan deal into a permanent one next summer.

"I want to resume my European career. I spent 10 years playing in Europe so I can't just throw that away," Mido told Egyptian radio.

Mido, who has scored one goal for Zamalek since his summer arrival, played for several European teams including Ajax Amsterdam, AS Roma, Marseille and Tottenham Hotspur.

He opted to return to Zamalek to enhance his chances of reclaiming his place in Egypt's squad, having fallen out of favor with coach Hassan Shehata due to fitness problems and lack of playing time with Middlesbrough.

But he has yet to convince Shehata that he deserves to be called up to the Pharaohs' squad.

"None of Egypt's technical staff members contacted me over a possible return to the team," Mido added.

Recent reports suggested that Mido would make Egypt's squad for next month's African Cup of Nations after his club teammate Amr Zaki was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.