Former Egypt striker and current Ismaily coach Ahmed “Mido” Hossam revealed Thursday on a Radio programme that he refused an invitation from Zamalek chairman Mortada Mansour to lead the Whites after the departure of Portuguese coach Jesualdo Ferreira.

The 32-year-old Mido, who took the lead of the Dervishes at the start of the ongoing season, confirmed that he will not leave Ismaily in the hope of drawing a new history with the team.

"I do not have a registered contract with Ismaily yet they always meet my demands in supporting the team," Mido said. "The Zamalek management knows well I will not abandon my responsibility to Ismaily."

Mido became an iconic figure in Egyptian football after playing for a host of European clubs including Tottenham, Marseille, AS Roma and Ajax.

His career on the field was brought to an end at the age of 30 after a long struggle with injuries and fitness in June 2013.

He became the youngest coach ever in the Egyptian Premier League, taking charge of Zamalek in January 2014 and managing to win the 2014 Egypt Cup title.

The Cairo giants Zamalek are looking for a new coach to replace Ferreira, who unilaterally terminated his contract with Zamalek, citing several reasons including constant attacks on him by the club's outspoken chairman Mansour.

The Whites have listed names of candidates to be in charge of the team during the ongoing season including two Brazilian managers Marcos Paqueta and Paulo Campos as well as Romanian coach Laurențiu Reghecampfare.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)