Ahly coach Mohamed Youssef has expressed sadness that midfielder Mohamed Barakat will retire at the end of the season.

"I am so sad that Barakat has announced he will retire at the end of the season," Youssef told Ahly's website. "Barakat is a very skillful and responsible player. I wish him good luck."

"He is a big loss for the club, the national team and Egyptian football," Red Devils football sector manager Hadi Khashaba said.

"He delivered a lot for his club and his fans. He entertained the crowd for many years," Ahly football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz said.

"I tried so hard to convince him to continue playing but he insisted on hanging up his boots. I wish him all the luck," Abdel-Hafiz added.

The 37 year old joined Saudi side Ahly Jeddah from Ismaily in 2000 before moving to Qatari side Al-Arabi in 2002.

He returned to Egypt in 2004 signing for Cairo giants Ahly and became a key member of their golden generation who dominated Egyptian football since then.

He also helped the team win four Champions League titles.

"I have decided to retire from football at the end of this season. I don't know what I will do next but I hope I accomplished something in my career especially for Ahly and its fans," Barakat told Ahly's website Wednesday.

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