Egypt keeper, oldest World Cup player, quits national team
CAIRO (AP) — 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 wrote 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."
El Hadary made his debut for the national team in 1996.