File photo: Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary walk onto the pitch with their teammates for their semi final match in the African Cup of Nations CAN2010 at the Ombaka stadium in Benguela on January 28, 2010 (Photo: AFP)
Egypt's solid goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary has signed a two-year extension contract with his current club Wadi Degla.
Last week, local reports suggested that the 41-year-old player would return to Zamalek after he caught their eyes during the Egypt Cup semifinals – but the Cairo-based club has dismissed the speculations.
Under the leadership of former striker Ahmed Hossam 'Mido', Zamalek has instead signed Egypt's 23-year-old goalie Ahmed El-Shennawy.
The former Ahly, Ismaily and Swiss Sion keeper had an influential role at Degla this season in both the domestic league and the African Confederation Cup, though they were eliminated from the latter in the round of 16.
El-Hadary was instrumental in helping Egypt win three consecutive African Cup of Nations titles (2006, 2008 and 2010), but abruptly fell out of favour with former coach Bob Bradley who relied on Ahly's Sherif Ekramy in the World Cup qualifying campaign.
In February, he returned to the Egypt team for the first time in almost a year under the guidance of new head coach, Shawky Gharib.
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