Black Stars midfielder Rahim Ayew has defended his move to Egyptian giants Zamalek on a five-year-deal. The 21-year-old was tipped for a move to Europe after an impressive display at the African Nations Championship in Ivory Coast. He came close to signing for TSG Hoffenheim and admitted he had been contacted by clubs in France and Spain. Ayew is expected to train with his teammates on Wednesday and travel for their pre-season tour of Portugal. He is optimistic of making the grades in the Egyptian Premier League although people have questioned his decision to sign for the five-time African champions. "People think when you make a decision to travel outside your country to an African people then you are finished, but I will use Prince Tagoe as an example. He went to Saudi Arabia but now he going to Hoffenheim," Rahim told an Accra-based radio station. "So me signing for Zamalek who knows maybe from there I can be in Europe too. It all depends on me working hard. "I hope to go places with Zamalek because it's a very big club and I hope to win cups with them. "Me being here is just a stepping stone for me. When I play good here an European club can come for me." Source: Ghanasoccernet.com