Egypt and Ahly striker Emad Meteb revealed he had exerted his utmost to persuade teammate star Mohamed Abou-Treika against retirement but the latter would not be swayed.

Abou-Treika decided to retire from football after his hopes of reaching the 2014 World Cup were crashed following Egypt's 6-1 loss to Ghana in the first leg of the tournament final qualifiers.

"I tried to convince Abou-Treika to retract his retirement decision but he did what he believed was best for him," Meteb told a television programme.

"I think Abou-Treika still has three to two years of play," Meteb said, adding "He will affect the team inside and outside the field," the Ahly striker added.

The iconic midfielder, whose contract with Ahly extends another year, has officially requested team football director Sayed Abdel-Hafiz to amicably terminate his current contract with the team, the Cairo club announced on its website Sunday.

The 35-year-old Abou-Treika, who joined Ahly from Tersana in January 2004, was an inspiration for both Ahly and Egypt, heralding a golden age with 22 trophies won with the Red Devils, including five Champions League titles and a bronze medal at the 2006 Club World Cup.

He also won the Africa-based Player of the Year Award in 2006, 2008 and 2012, with a 2013 nomination for the same title. The winner will be announced this month.

(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)