By Nada Hamouda
Less than two months after becoming the oldest player in World Cup history, Egypt’s Veteran Goalkeeper, Essam El Hadry, announced on Monday his retirement from international football.
The 45-year-old goalkeeper announced his decision in a statement “There is an end for every start. After a lot of thinking I took my decision to international retirement 22 years, four months and 12 days from my first match with Egypt.” However, at club level, El Hadary remains active between the sticks for Egyptian side Ismaily, who took the second spot in the Egyptian Premier League 2017/2018
The African legend has had an illustrious international career that has spanned over two decades winning four African Cup of Nations. Though in 2008 El Hadary left Al Ahly for Swiss club, Sion, in an acrimonious manner, he managed to etch his name in a 12-year spell with the Cairo giant winning three Champions Leagues and eight Egyptian Premier League titles.
However, he stood as a rock hard refusing to let the Red Castle departure destroys his career as he joined Ismaily, Zamalek and other Egyptian clubs. In addition, he played for Al-Merrikh at the Sudanese Premier League and in Saudi Arabia.
WE SAID THIS: After Thabet El Batal and Ekramy, now it’s time to say goodbye to another legendary goalkeeper that Egypt will never forget!