Zamalek skipper Hazem Emam has announced on Sunday that he will retire from professional football at the end of the season. "This season will be my last one," Emam, who turns 33 next season, told Egyptian TV. "I hope I can conclude my career by lifting the Egyptian Cup next month when we face ENPPI." Emam has been restricted to few appearances this season due to injury problems. Even when he was fully fit, he failed to put in convincing displays. The talented playmaker is a fans' favorite after guiding Zamalek to a host of trophies during his glory days with the men in white. Emam, who came through Shooting Club youth ranks, started his career with Zamalek in 1993. He moved to Udinese after excelling with Egypt in the 1996 Nations Cup but his stint with the Italian side did not prove to be successful. "I was very young when I played in the Calcio. My little experience did not help me," Emam previously commented on his Italian spell.
However, the little fox, son of former Zamalek great Hamada Emam, had a highly successful two-year loan spell with Dutch side De Graafschap. Emam then returned to Zamalek where he won three league titles, one Egyptian Cup, two local Super Cups, one Champions League and one African Super Cup. Administrative Role? When asked about whether he considers having a role in Zamalek board when he retires, Emam said he is yet to decide. "All the reports which said I'm interested in nominating myself for a board position are totally untrue. I'm yet to decide what I'll do in future." "To be honest, I consider not having any role in Zamalek because I'm fed up with our disappointing results in recent seasons," he added. Zamalek haven't won a single title since their Egyptian League triumph in the 2003/2004 season. They can break their dry spell if they beat ENPPI on May 25th in the Egyptian Cup final.
