Al Ahly's Hossam Ghaly to retire on May 11

Al Ahly's player Hossam Ghaly (R) in action against Bidvest Wits player Thabang Monare (L) during the African Champions League (CAF) match between Al Ahly and Bidvest Wits at Salam stadium in Cairo, Egypt, 11 March 2017. EPA/KHALED ELFIQI

by Staff Reporter

Friday Apr 13, 2018. 16:00

Al Ahly football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz has stated that skipper Hossam Ghaly will retire officially from professional football on May 11.

Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry announced early this week that he is attempting to persuade the experienced midfielder to reconsider his decision.

The coach said he sees him as still capable of offering something on the pitch and the team needs him next season.

However, it looks like the boss has failed to tempt the player from reversing his decision as he wants to Embark on an administrative role.

"Ghaly picked 11 May to retire. The board respected his decision and we wish him the best luck in his next steps," Abdel-Hafiz told a radio station.

Moreover, one of the reasons forcing Ghaly to retire could be his complaint of feeling depressed over his dispute with Egypt coach Hector Cuper regarding the Egyptian national team.

Ghaly and Cuper had disagreed on tactical issues, and the player was subsequently cut from the Egypt squad for the 2018 FIFA World Cup in Russia.

The 36-year-old has won three Egyptian Premier League titles, two Egyptian Cup titles and two African Champions League titles with Ahly and was part of Egypt's 2010 African Cup of Nations winning side.