After failing to win recent African Cup of Nations (AFCON) title just concluded in Cameroon last Sunday, the Egypt and Pyramids FC’s veteran playmaker Abdallah El-Said announced his retirement from international football on Saturday.
Also read : CAF ACCEPTED EGYPT’S APPEAL AND REDUCED SANCTIONS OVER COACH QUEIROZ AHEAD WORLD CUP PLAYOFFS
The 36-year-old El-Said was among the Egyptian national team that recently lost a record-extending eighth AFCON crown after losing to Senegal 4-2 on penalties after a 0-0 draw.
“I had hoped that we would return with the African Cup to please Egyptian fans after our great effort since the beginning of the tournament.” El-Said said via Twitter on Saturday morning.
“It was a great honour for me to wear the national team jersey for many years in all its levels — from the underage to the senior team. I would like to thank all the technical teams that I worked with.”
“Today, I announce my retirement from international football. I took the decision before the tournament. And I hoped to announce it after returning back home with the African Cup to have the best end for my international career.” The former Ahly star added.
Also Read : HAKIM ZIYECH RETIRES FROM MOROCCO NATIONAL TEAM AFTER AFCON 2021 SNUB
El-Said had made his international debut back in 2008 in a 1-0 defeat to Malawi under legendary coach Hassan Shehata, before going on to represent the Pharaohs on 58 occasions. And throughout his fourteen-year international career, El-Said scored six goals with the seven-time African champions.
He didn’t win any titles with Egypt team. But he was instrumental in leading them to the 2017 AFCON final and also qualifying for the 2018 World Cup finals for the first time in three decades.
El-Said is one of the most decorated players in the Egyptian Premier League, having scored 117 goals so far in the competition with Ismaily, Ahly, and Pyramids.
Egypt will still have a chance to make amends when they clash with Senegal again in a decisive two-legged World Cup qualifying playoff next month for a place in the World Cup that will be held in Qatar.
“I wish best of luck for my teammates and the technical staff in the coming period. And hopefully, we will succeed in reaching the World Cup finals.” El-Said concluded.