"Tersana offered me a new contract which was financially better than any other one but I opted for a new challenge," Hassan told FilGoal.com.

"The ambitions of Tersana players are just to secure safety in the Egyptian League and I don't like that. I hope Ittihad players have more ambitious targets."

The 40-year-old revealed on Wednesday that he has reached a preliminary agreement with Ittihad officials to move to the Alexandria-based club after the end of the remaining round in the Egyptian League.

Ittihad boss Mohamed Omar told FilGoal.com that the former Egypt international will pen a one-year deal for EGP 500,000.

Hassan praised Tersana president Hassan Farid, whom he says did his best to keep the prolific striker at the club.

The former Ahli and Zamalek striker joined the newly-promoted Tersana from Masri in the off-season and contributed to the club's success in maintaining their top-flight status, scoring six goals.