Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune says the sensational career of Egyptian goalkeeper Essam El Hadary has inspired him to play until he is 50.
El-Hadary called time on his professional football career on Thursday following a successful 27-year career playing for Damietta, Al Ahly, Sion, Ismaily, Zamalek, Al Merreikh, Al Ittihad Alexandria, Wadi Degla, Ismaily, Wadi Degla, Al-Taawou, Ismaily and Nogoom.
Following his retirement at the age of 47, the Egyptian has made 446 appearances across all competitions while keeping 227 clean sheets on a club level and has managed to rack up a total of 159 international caps, while keeping 62 clean sheets in the process.
However, Khune has since revealed that he would like to beat El-Hadary’s record and play until he turns 50 while also paying tribute to the legendary Egyptian goalkeeper.
‘Retiring at the age of 47. You are a living legend that shows that age is just a number,’ wrote Khune on his Twitter account.
‘You ran a great race El-Hadary, you inspired a lot of goalkeepers to continue playing at the highest level. Happy retirement. I wanna play until I’m 50.’
Retiring at the Age of 47🙌. You are a living Legend that shows that age is just a number. You ran a great race @elhadary you inspired alot of Goalkeepers to continue playing at the highest level. Happy Retirement.. #BestInBusiness #Inspiration #RESPECT I wanna play until I'm 50 pic.twitter.com/P2C6tVHvlG
— IIKHUNE3216 (@IIKHUNE_32_16) July 24, 2020