"Flavio wants to leave," the Ahli source, who spoke on condition of anonymity, told FilGoal.com.

"Ahli's football committee is likely to accept the player's request although he still has three years to run on his current deal."

Flavio's request to depart comes few hours after Ahli announced that head coach Manuel Jose would leave at the end of the season.

The Portuguese tactician, widely regarded as the best coach in the Cairo giants' history, is set to take over at Flavio's national team Angola.

Zero to Hero

Flavio struggled to win over the fans in his early days at Ahli after joining from Angolan side Petro Atletico in 2005.

His first season with the six-time African champions was far from impressive as he managed to score just one goal - a fortunate strike against Ghazl Mahalla.

Fans and pundits started to question Jose's decision to bring in the 29-year-old, who seemed unsettled.

However, Flavio repaid Jose's faith in his abilities to go from zero to hero and become Ahli's main striker.

He finished the 2005/2005 season as the Egyptian league's top scorer and his decisive goals played a key role in helping Ahli win a host of local and continental titles.

Flavio, who notched 53 goals for Ahli, has been renowned for his ability to connect with pinpoint crosses from compatriot Gilberto and place deft headers into the net.