Mohamed Abou-Treika has confirmed that he will retire from football after the end of the season.
Treika’s decision follows Egypt’s thumping 6-1 defeat to Ghana in the World Cup qualifying playoff first leg, virtually ending the Pharaohs hopes of a place in Brazil.
“Yes it is true. I won’t be playing football all my life. It’s time for me to retire,” Abou-Treika told Egyptian Media.
“This is life. It’s time for retirement because there are no more motives for me.
“The World Cup dream was my last and now is the time for younger players.
“I’m realistic, it is very difficult for us to overturn the Ghana result and qualify. For the sake of the fans, let’s not be over-ambitious.
“The best we can do is to improve our image after such a big defeat, but qualifying is unlikely now.”
Since joining Ahly in 2004, Abou-Treika managed to establish his place in Egypt’s history books as one of the country’s most decorated players of all time.
Al Ahly staff comments on Aboutrika’s decision:
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cCsTu4FqSZk[/youtube]