Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary sends a message of support to Italy's Gianluigi Buffon

Essam El Hadary of Egypt celebrates after saving Bertrand Traore of Burkina Faso penalty in shootout during the 2017 African Cup of Nations Finals Afcon semifinal football match between Burkina Faso and Egypt at the Libreville Stadium in Gabon on 01 February 2017 ©Gavin Barker/BackpagePix

by Phumzile Ngcatshe

Wednesday Nov 15, 2017. 11:00

Egyptian international goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has sent a message of support to his Italian counterpart Gianluigi Buffon after their failure to reach the 2018 FIFA World Cup.

El-Hadary has tweeted in support of 'Gigi' after the Azzurri failed in their bid to reach the next World Cup.

The 44-year-old Egyptian goalkeeper joined the world in full of support of the Juventus stalwart as he played his last official game for Italy.

“I can’t find the right words…the only thing I can do is to try to compensate your spot. Every goalkeeper in the World Cup will be playing for you, legend," tweeted the Egyptian keeper.

The 2006 World Champions failed to qualify for the finals of the World Cup for the first time in 60 years as they succumbed to a first leg 1-0 defeat away to the Swedes, followed by a 0-0 draw at home.

Meanwhile, the Pharaohs net minder is set to become the oldest player to ever appear in the prestigious tournament after Egypt secured their qualification to the World Cup for the first time in 28 years.