Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary is retiring from the national team after becoming the oldest man to play in a World Cup match.
El Hadary started the World Cup as Egypt’s backup goalkeeper, but he played in his team’s final group match in Russia, saving a penalty in the 2-1 loss to Saudi Arabia on June 25.
“After 22 years, four months and 12 days, I saw it as the best moment to hang up my gloves,” the 45-year-old El Hadary writes on Facebook. “This is a moment I didn’t want to come … I am very proud to have played with the national team in 159 internationals, participating in unprecedented achievements.”
In this file photo dated Monday, June 25, 2018, Egypt goalkeeper Essam El Hadary deflects a penalty during the group A match between Saudi Arabia and Egypt at the 2018 soccer World Cup at the Volgograd Arena in Volgograd, Russia. (AP Photo/Darko Vojinovic)
El Hadary made his debut for the national team in 1996. He won four African Cup of Nations titles with Egypt, including three straight with him as goalkeeper in 2006, 2008 and 2010.
— AP
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From the Liveblog of
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