Ahly's veteran international defender Ahmed Fathi has signed a deal to extend his stay with the Cairo giants for two more years, the club announced on Monday without disclosing the financial details.

"Fathi arrived at my home this morning and put pen to paper before taking permission to travel to Saudi Arabia to perform the umrah pilgrimage," Ahly football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz was quoted as saying on the club's official website on Monday.

"He will be back tomorrow to join the team's training before traveling to Gabon to face Mounana in the second leg of the CAF Champions League round of 32," said Abdel-Hafiz.

"Fathi didn't make any extra demands, because he signed a white contract [without mention of fees]," he added.

"He told me: 'Whatever my thoughts about securing my future, I can't see myself leaving Ahly,'" Abdel-Hafiz said.

The versatile Fathi is used to playing in various positions with both Ahly and Egypt, having played in right back, in midfield and as a defender.

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