Cairo: Egypt’s veteran goalkeeper, the oldest player to feature at a World Cup, will continue his career on the pitch after having signed for Egypt’s Al Ismaili, the coastal club said on Monday.
The club posted a picture of Essam Al Hadary on their Facebook page along with the signing announcement.
“Welcome with us, the best goalie in Egypt’s history. Essam Al Hadary returns to Al Darwish,” the post said, using a nickname of Al Ismaili. The club did not disclose details of the contract.
Al Hadary, 45, previously played in Al Ismaili twice in 2009 and 2014. His last season was with the Saudi club Al Tawan.
Al Ismaili, based in Egypt’s Suez Canal city of Al Ismailia, finished second in Egypt’s Premier League last season.
Al Hadary started his football career in 1993 in his hometown Damietta before moving three years later to Cairo-based Al Ahly, one of Egypt’s top clubs. He has since showed his goalkeeping mettle that earned him the nickname the High Dam after a giant hydroelectric dam in South Egypt.
Born on January 15 1973, Al Hadary, became last month became the oldest player to appear in the World Cup. He participated in Egypt’s match against Saudi Arabia on June 25 when he saved a penalty kick. He put on a good showing although his team lost 2-1 to Saudis.
