"Abou-Treika is one of a kind in the history of Egyptian Football. He has it all: discipline in and out of the pitch, talent, clairvoyance and his brain is full of soccer. Additionally he has a great loyalty for his country and for his team to a point that could drive you mad. This last year I can see he is the player running the most on the pitch more than teammates in their twenties. I don't know why he is retiring while he has at least two years to go."

Three-time Nations Cup winner coach Hassan Shehata

"There has been a big harmony between us and it is because of him that I am the top scorer of the qualifiers (2014 World Cup qualifiers). He is a player who makes the mission of his teammates very easy. He is always close to you, he knows how to find you to give you the ball. He has always been supportive of his teammates. He is a great player and has played a big role in the National team on and off the pitch,"

Egypt and FC Basel winger Mohamed Salah

"We are brothers in blood. He is a good man. I couldn't be prouder to have anyone on my team. I coached a lot of great players throughout my career and I can say that Abou-Treika is among the best I had. When you have a player like Abou-Treika in your team you have a good motivation to go on and achieve more."

Former Egypt coach Bob Bradley

"Abou-Treika has a special gift from God and he has a special effect on his club and country. He is so devoted to his team, country and family. If he wanted he could have made it to the top European leagues, but he didn't want to leave Egypt. He is so attached to the fans here. His loyalty was somehow rewarded as he became an icon and idol for the fans."

Former Egypt and Ahly legend Mahmoud El-Khattib

"He is possibly the greatest footballer in the history of the world with a bachelor's diploma in philosophy hanging on the wall of his sitting room. He is arguably the best footballer on earth not playing his trade in Europe or South America. Does staying in Egypt make him gutless and unambitious because he won't measure himself against the world's best on a regular basis? Or, in fact, should he be admired for remaining loyal to his homeland, simply being happy with what he has achieved and not feeling the need to chase the glamour and millions of the Premier League or La Liga?.

Italian sports journalist Gabriele Marcotti

"Congratulations, Abou-Treika. You always prove that you are a football legend."

Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba said during the 2012 Confederation of African Football Gala

"Abou-Treika still has five more years to play at least. He is a great player. The Arab fans have enjoyed many stars throughout the ages but Abou-Treika is one of a kind. He has always impressed his fans with his art on the pitch and ethics. The Egyptian, Arab and African football will lose a lot with the retirement of Abou-Treika because it will be difficult to have a similar player.

Former Morocco great, Aziz Bouderbala

"Abou-Treika is a very special person. Since our first day the relation was like a father and son. He came to Ahly at 26 but was eager to learn everything like if he was still a young boy. Abou-Treika is the best person I have known in my life. He thinks about people all the time, he is a very sensible person. He never fails you; when you need him, you will find him. He is an amazing person and a fantastic player."

Former Ahly coach Manuel Jose Da Silva (Portugal)

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