Ahmed Hossam “Mido” has announced his retirement
“Today I officially announced my retirement from football,” he wrote on his personal Twitter account.
“Thanks to everyone who supported me while playing, especially the great fans of Egypt.”
During his career, which began with Cairo-based Zamalek in 2000, Mido played for a total of 11 clubs in seven different countries.
After impressing as a 17-year-old with Zamalek, the striker moved to Gent in Belgium where he won the 2001 Ebony Shoe – the award given to the best player of African origin in the local league.
A move to Dutch giants Ajax Amsterdam swiftly followed where a league and cup double arrived in 2002, with Mido scoring in the cup final against FC Utrecht.
One year later, the tall and powerful striker was on the move again – joining French side Marseille in a deal that then made him the most expensive Egyptian footballer, with the transfer valued at US$13m (£8m).
The former Zamalek, Ajax, Marseille, Roma, Tottenham, Middlesbrough, Wigan and West Ham striker signed a one-year contract with English Championship side Barnsley last summer but left by mutual consent six months later.
Ahmed Hossam ‘Mido’ factfile
Has played for 10 clubs in seven different countries.
Dropped by Egypt for six months in September 2004 after claiming he was injured before playing for Roma 24 hours later.
Was thrown out of the Egyptian team at the 2006 Africa Cup of Nations and suspended for six months after reacting badly to being substituted.
Joined Egyptian side Zamalek for a third time in January 2011 but was unable to play for eight months because of a registration error.
Final game of his career was as a substitute in Barnsley’s 1-0 defeat by Huddersfield in November 2012.
Mido will remain one of the most successful Egyptian players in European leagues.
MIDO BEST GOALS VIDEOS
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D-xSkIX7fx8[/youtube] [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHUEeAYQ1tY&t=39s[/youtube]
