Zamalek and Egyptian national team defender Mohamed Abdel-Shafi
Abdel-Shafi sustained the injury back in March during Zamalek’s league game against Pyramids FC, which marked his final appearance with the White Knights as he only featured in 13 games this season, both in the league and the CAF Champions League.
The mild-mannered player decided to waive his remaining financial dues in light of the current financial crisis that is hitting his club, though he has a contract that runs through next season.
A glittering career
A product of Zamalek's youth system, Abdel-Shafi moved to Enppi in 2003 before joining Ghazl El-Mahalla in 2006 where he made his senior debut.
The left-back played 45 games across three seasons with Ghazl El-Mahalla before returning to his boyhood club in 2009.
He quickly became a key figure in Zamalek's lineup before turning into a legend.
All over his career, he played 224 games for Zamalek scoring 11 goals and providing 188 assists.
He helped Zamalek win a host of titles, including three Egyptian Premier League titles, 4 Egypt Cups titles, one Egyptian Super Cup, and the CAF Super Cup.
Abdel-Shafi spend five years in the Saudi League as he joined Ahli Jeddah in 2014 and was instrumental in bringing trophies back to the club as he won the Saudi Professional League title, King Cup, Saudi Crown Prince Cup and the Saudi Super Cup.
In 2018, he moved to Al-Fateh for just one season before returning to Zamalek in the summer of 2019.
African Champion
Abdel-Shafi had his first taste of international football on 29 December 2009 in a game for the Pharaohs against Malawi that ended 1-1.
He won the African Cup of Nations in 2010 with Egypt's golden generation that won the treble in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
His international career extended over 9 years, playing 53 games for the Pharaohs.
He enjoyed playing on the biggest stage as he has been included in Egypt's squad for the 2018 World Cup and took part in all three games.
His last game for Egypt was against Saudi Arabia in June 2018.
An idol
Fellow Zamalek defender Omar Gaber heaped praise on Abdel-Shafi saying that he was an idol for the players and the fans, “Abdel-Shafi is a great player and his retirement is a big loss for both the Egyptian and Arab football.”
“He never made any problems during his entire career, whether on or off the field. I really wish him all the best of luck after his retirement,” Gaber added.
Zamalek's board member Ahmed Mortada Mansour has hailed Abdel-Shafi as the most humble and respected player he has ever dealt with.
"I swear to God, he is the only player I had offered an increase in the amount of his contract but he refused and said what he earns is enough," Mansour said in a tweet on Wednesday.
The Confederation of African Football (CAF) also paid tribute to the veteran defender, saying on its official Twitter account that Abdel-Shafi was an unforgettable star in the Pharaohs squad.
Abdel-Shafi is set to begin a new chapter in his career as he will start his coaching career in Zamalek's youth system.
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