Ahly football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz stated that the team's skipper Hossam Ghaly has scheduled next 11 May to officially retire from the sport.

"Ghaly picked 11 May to retire. The board respected his decision and we wish him the best luck in his next steps," Abdel-Hafiz told a radio station Wednesday morning.

Ahly coach Hossam El-Badry has announced early this week that he is attempting to persuade the experienced midfielder to reconsider his decision, as he sees him "still capable of offering something on the pitch and the team needs him next season."

But the nomadic forward seems certain about his decision to end a playing career at his boyhood club Ahly, where he has starred in 2000 and embarked on an administrative career at the end of season.

The 36-year-old has complained of feeling depressed over his dispute with Egypt coach Hector Cuper regarding the Egyptian national team.

Ghaly and Cuper had disagreed on tactical issues, and the player was subsequently cut from the Egypt squad for the 2018 World Cup in Russia.

Despite mounting criticism of Ghaly's behaviour, he remains one of the most gifted Egyptian midfielders of all time, with his neat distribution of the ball, cross-field passes and skillful moves past challengers earning him acclaim.

He won three Egyptian league titles, two Egyptian Cup titles and two African Champions League titles with Ahly. He was also part of Egypt's 2010 African Cup of Nations winning side.

Ghaly also had success abroad, playing in Europe with Feyenoord, Tottenham Hotspur, Derby County and Lierse, before settling down at his boyhood club in 2014.

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