Ahly’s Tunisian fullback Ali Maaloul. AFP
After months of uncertainty over his future, 35-year-old Ali Maaloul, whose current contract with the club ends this summer, said that the club officially informed him that his journey had come to an end.
“Ahly, great fans. I was informed that my career with Ahly is over,” the veteran player stated.
“Throughout these years, Ahly loyal fans were the nation and warmth to me. Believe me I wasn’t alone even for a single day as you were the backbone to me and your cheers were the hope and the priceless love,” he added.
Maaloul joined Ahly in the summer of 2016 from Tunisian side CS Sfaxien and quickly proved himself as one of the key players.
Thanks to his dedication and loyalty, he contributed to several achievements and became a fan favorite.
Maaloul etched his name among the club icons, contributing 51 goals and 85 assists in 292 appearances with the Red Devils.
“Since joining Ahly, I realized that I didn’t sign a contract with a club, but I started a covenant with a hole nation,” the Tunisian international said.
“I wasn’t just a professional player, but a lover who wears the red jersey. I lived every minute here as a child who raised in Ahly stands and today I am not just bidding farewell to a club but to a part of my soul,” he added.
Maaloul's impressive journey with Ahly encountered a setback when he underwent surgery in May 2024 to address a partial tendon tear which had sidelined him for several months.
Maaloul was dropped from the squad at the start of the season to make way for a foreign player before being registered again in the winter transfer window in January.
He wasn’t lucky enough to be included again in the starting line-up under former Swiss coach Marcel Koller, and he has featured just twice since January.
Maaloul, who received a warm reception from fans on Thursday as he celebrated winning the 45th Egyptian League title, reassured his gratitude to Ahly fans for their vast and continuous support throughout his career, stressing that his heart will remain with the club.
“Today I am informing you with my departure with the tears on my eyes, but I am satisfied as my heart will remain at the club stands and your voice won’t leave me forever. I am leaving but love will remain,” he concluded.
Maaloul will leave an unmatched legacy after amassing 21 titles, including four CAF Champions League trophies, two CAF Super Cups, six Egyptian Premier League championships, five Egyptian Super Cups, and four Egypt Cup triumphs.
(For more sports news and updates, follow Ahram Online Sports on Twitter at @AO_Sports and on Facebook at AhramOnlineSports.)
Short link: