(CNN) – Egypt national team player Mostafa Ziko sent a message to his mother following the controversy sparked by her emotional appearance in a TV interview, where she said she had become "number 2" in his life, affirming that she will remain "number one."

Ziko posted photos with his mother on his Instagram account and commented: "You have always been number one, lady of all, and you will always be number one."

View this post on Instagram

The Egyptian player's mother had appeared in a TV interview on Egypt's Al-Nahar channel and spoke about missing him as she had not seen him since the start of the preparatory camp for the 2026 World Cup.

Ziko's mother said in the interview: "I used to be number one in his life," adding: "His wife is now number one and I am number 2.. and I am satisfied and accepting, by God," as she put it.

The Pyramids FC player shone with the Egyptian national team in the World Cup, scoring two goals – one against New Zealand and the second against Argentina.