According to Zamalek's football director Ibrahim Hassan, the 24-year-old decided to hang up his international boots after being taunted in Thursday's Cairo derby against Ahli.

Ibrahim voiced his disgruntlement with Shikabala's decision, describing the highly-rated schemer as 'national wealth'.

"I cannot accept his decision as a Zamalek fan and as a president of the club," he told FilGoal.com. "He's national wealth that we (Egypt) have to fully exploit.

"The national team need his services and vice-versa; he has to claim titles with his country.

"I will persuade him to make a U-turn."