Egypt's former world number one squash champ switches allegiance to play for England

A former world number one squash player from Egypt has switched to play for England, the latter's squash governing body said on Monday.

Mohamed El-Shorbagy began playing for the team this week, England Squash said in a statement.

"I'm really excited to be representing England now," said El Shorbagy. "I've lived in England more than half my life and have been trained by British coaches."

Bristol-based El-Shorbagy moved to the UK at the age of 15, playing under the tutelage of former British champion Jonah Barrington.

He obtained his British citizenship a few months ago, El-Shorbagy said in an interview published on the Squash England YouTube channel.

He said Squash England helped him obtain the visas and other paperwork he needed to remain in the UK after he completed his university studies.

"When you have people who appreciate you for who you are like that without expecting anything back from you, it always meant a lot to me," he said.

"When I got the opportunity to represent England, I got so excited about the opportunity... I feel like I owe it to this country and to England to try to win titles for them."

He hinted at some of the reasons behind his switch to the England team.

"To be honest with you, this is the first time in my life that I have some support in my career... people might be surprised but I have never had any support, I have done everything myself."

Mohamed's younger brother, Marwan El-Shorbagy, continues to represent Egypt as a squash player.