Egyptian legendary goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has announced retirement from football at the age of 47.
The veteran shot-stopper made the announcement on live television on Thursday, indicating it is the right time to put an end to his football career.
El Hadary says he has been forced to retire because of the wrangles and endless conflicts in the football fraternity.
“Football is my second wife and I have divorced it. I am not returning to play football again, the entire system has errors and club heads attacking each other, and may God be in the help of the players.” El Hadary said according to Africatopsports.
“There is nothing to add to my footballing history. There is no goalkeeper in Egypt better than me. I only sat on the bench in 1998 for goalkeeper Nader El-Sayed.” he added.
Hadary had retired from international football last year after being snubbed for the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations edition.
He has had a colourful career both at club and country, winning several titles.
With Egypt, El Hadary helped the team win 4 Africa Cup of Nations titles, being named the best goalkeeper on three occasions (2006, 2008 and 2010).
At Al Ahly, he won eight Egyptian Premier League titles, four Egypt Cups, four Egyptian Super Cups, four CAF Champions League titles, three CAF Super Cups, one Arab Club Champions Cup, and two Arab Super Cups.
