The Ahli playmaker earned a cult status among Ahli's faithful with a string of match-winning performances that ultimately gifted the club a host of domestic and continental triumphs during the past six years.

He lost some of his pace and agility this season but remains a hugely popular figure in the club, winning a popularity which resembles those of legends Saleh Selim and Mahmoud Al-Khatib.

Some pundits surprisingly called on Abou-Treika to hang up his boots after he produced some disappointing displays this season but he believes time has not come to call it a day.

"I don't think about retirement," the Egyptian international, who also helped the Pharaohs to three consecutive African Cup of Nations titles, said during a birthday party his teammates held for him on Saturday.

"I will bring the curtain down on my career when I feel that I'm no longer able to perform well.

"My honesty and responsibility toward Ahli fans oblige me to announce my retirement once I feel that I will not be able to play at the highest level."

Fans Support

Abou-Treika was kept on the bench during Ahli's 3-2 Egyptian Premier League victory over ENPPI on Thursday as coach Hossam Al-Badri said he preferred to rest him due to exhaustion.

Ahli fans stood by their favorite man, lifting a banner that read: "for those who want Abou-Treika to retire - there is an ordinary player born everyday but Abou-Treika is a legendary figure".

"The support of the fans boosts me technically and psychologically and greatly encourages me to excel," the mild-mannered player added.

Abou-Treika joined Ahli from modest club Tersana in January 2004 and he soon became a household name.

He scored a handful of decisive goals, including the remarkable last-gasp volley which gave the Cairo giants the 2006 African Champions League title at the expense of Tunisia's Sfaxien.

"Abou-Treika is a special player. He is an example to follow," Al-Badri, who witnessed the player's progress when he was the assistant of former Ahli manager Manuel Jose, said.

"Today's party is the least we can present to him."