The Zamalek midfielder, 38, was named Egypt team director upon the request of newly-hired coach Shawki Gharib.

“I have been pondering retirement at the end of this season for a while, and since the future of football is uncertain, I made my decision,” Hassan told FilGoal.com.

“I accepted the Egypt post because I would like a new challenge. I think I’ve achieved everything a player can dream of either inside or outside Egypt.

“The only think I couldn’t achieve is the World Cup, but I hope I can do that in my new position with Egypt.”

Hassan puts an end to a glorious 18-year career, which included 10 successful years in Europe with the likes of Besiktas and Anderlecht.

The veteran midfielder quits the game while on top of the list of players with most international caps, having represented Egypt 184 times.

He is the third high-profile player in Egypt to announce his retirement this year after Mohamed Barakat and Mohamed Abou-Treika.