Ghana has forced the retirement of one of the iconic figures in Africa football as Egyptian legend Mohammed Aboutrika has announced that he will quit the game later this year following their 6-1 thrashing by the Black Stars.

The 34-year-old, who is regarded as one of the finest players Africa has ever produced, announced his decision to quit in the wake of the Pharaohs humiliation at the hands of the Black Stars in a crucial World Cup playoff on Tuesday.

The talented midfielder, who plays for giants Al Ahly, had previously not announced any plans to quit the game as he is still in his prime and leading the club in their impressive showing in the African Champions League so far.

But the shocking defeat to Ghana has forced Aboutrika to announce that he will totally quit the game at the end of the year when Al Ahly conclude their Champions League campaign.

Egypt’s harsh 6-1 loss to Ghana on Tuesday was surely a main factor behind the 34-year-old taking such a decision.

“Winning the African Champions League with Al-Ahly inshaAllah (if God wills) and playing in the Club World Cup in Morocco then goodbye to football and many thanks to all,” Mohamed Aboutrika tweeted.

The words by the legend were few but will surely break the hearts of many and compound their misery following their defeat to Ghana.

AbouTrika is undoubtedly one of the best players ever in Egyptian football history and playing in the World Cup was something many believe he deserved the most.

But Ghana has killed all those hopes for the legend as he will now seek a career in coaching and media where he is loved by fans.

Aboutrika won several Africa Cup of Nations titles for Egypt and also helped Al Ahly to conquer the continent several times.