The Egypt skipper was introduced as a second-half substitute in Anderlecht's 2-0 victory over Club Brugge.

A near sell-out crowd of almost 26,000 spectators attended the match at Constant Vanden Stock stadium. So did the Egyptian ambassador to Belgium.

The fans showed their appreciation for Hassan's efforts during his two-year spell with Anderlecht.

"Thanks Hassan," Anderlecht fans cheered up their favorite man after he replaced Polish defender Marcin Wasilewski.

They also lifted banners to bid farewell to the 33-year-old, who heavily contributed to Anderlecht's Belgian League triumph last season.

Anderlecht players surrounded the talented midfielder after the match to shake hands and say goodbye.

Hassan was lost for words.

"I still can suppress my emotions, otherwise I would have cried a lot," he told FilGoal.com via phone.

"Such a warm farewell proves that I have done something to be remembered here.

"The way the fans said goodbye to me motivates me to do my best for Anderlecht in order to help them win the Belgian Cup," he added.

Anderlecht will face Gent in the cup final on May 18th as they aim to avoid ending the season empty-handed.

The Purple and White lie second in the league table with 67 points, seven adrift of leaders Standard Liege, who were recently crowned Belgian champions.

The former Ismaili man announced that he will join Egyptian champions Ahli next season.

Successful Career

Hassan enjoyed a successful ten-year spell in European football, which is a relatively long tenure for any Egyptian footballer abroad.

He played in Turkey for Kocaelispor, Denizlispor, Genclerbirligi and Besiktas.

He joined Anderlecht in 2006, winning with the club one Belgian League title and two Super Cups.

Hassan opted to return to Egypt due to family reasons to put an end to a highly-successful adventure in Europe.