Veteran Egyptian goalkeeper El-Hadary joins Ismaily in free transfer

Mahmoud Elassal , Monday 2 Jul 2018

Essam El-Hadary
Egypt's Essam El-Hadary reacts (Photo: Reuters)

Ismaily announced on Monday the signing of Egyptian national team veteran goalkeeper Essam El-Hadary in a free transfer.

The 45-year-old goalkeeper is a free agent after finishing his one-season contract with Saudi outfit Al-Taawoun this summer, before joining the Dervishes.

"The team's Algerian coach welcomes the signing of the experienced El-Hadary, believing that he will be a good edition to the squad thanks to his superb appearance with the Egyptian national team in the 2018 World Cup," said a statement on the club's official website.

This is the third time for El-Hadary to wear the Ismaily jersey, as he played for the coastal side in seasons 2010 and 2015.

El-Hadary made history with Egypt's national team by becoming the oldest player to appear at the World Cup when he played in the game against Saudi Arabia in his team's final Group A game in Volgograd.

The El-Hadary, nicknamed 'the High Dam,' joined Degla in 2015 from Ismaily and is considered one of the best-ever keepers in Egyptian and African history, after guiding his country to three Nations Cup titles in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

The former Ahly, Zamalek, and FC Sion (Switzerland) goalie was given the African Keeper of the Year Award in 2006, 2008 and 2010.

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