Egypts record-breaking goalkeeper El-Hadary retires
News & Trends •
reutersnan egypt goalkeeper essam el-hadary who became the oldest player in world cup history in russia has announced his retirement from international soccer at aged 451 el-hadary earned the last of his 159 caps for the national team in a 2-1 group stage defeat by saudi arabia as egypt crashed out of the tournament with three losses1 the veteran overtook colombias faryd mondragon who played the last five minutes of a group game in brazil four years ago at the age of 43 years and three days1 after 22 years four months and 12 days i saw it as the best moment to hang up my gloves el-hadary said in a facebook post on tuesday1 im proud to have played with the national team in 159 internationals participating in unprecedented achievements1 i hope i have succeeded in my mission over the past years1 i extend my thanks and gratitude to my family who have borne the difficulties of my life and supported me in all my steps1