Egypt centreback Ahmed Hegazy made his first appearance of the season on Sunday, starting for Fiorentina in their last game of the Serie A against Torino.

The 23-year-old Ismailia-born footballer joined the Italian side in December 2011. He made two appearances, against Viareggio Calcio and Atalanta, then in November 2012 he suffered a serious knee ligament injury during training..

He played for the Pharaohs against Uganda in September 2013 and suffered a recurrence of the same injury.

On Sunday, he received a warm welcome from his fans after his appearance during Fiorentina's 2-2 draw.

"Thank God for your recovery, captain. May Allah keep you safe from injury. The national team needs you," Yehia Abo Bakr, a young fan of Hegazy, tweeted after the game and the player republished his comment among many others on his official Twitter account.

"You were patient enough to pass God's test. Wait for his blessings and thank Him," complimented Abdo Magdi.

"You made all Arabs proud yesterday. You will keep your position and Montella [Fiorentina coach] will not substitute you. A very good game you delivered," another fan, CaptainCalcio, told the Egyptian footballer on Monday.

The Viola (purples) finished fourth in Serie A with 65 points, 37 behind winners Juventus.  

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