CAIRO: Ahly midfielder Mohamed Barakat stated that he had contemplated retiring from international football after Egypt s 1-0 defeat to Algeria in November s World Cup decider.
The playoff game, which took place in Sudan, was set up after both teams became equal in points, goal difference, goals scored and head-to-head record in the World Cup qualifiers.
Versatile ace Barakat said he came really close to ending his international career after being greatly frustrated by the Pharaohs loss, but he eventually had a change of heart.
Playing at the World Cup was a long-held dream for me. It s every player s biggest ambition, Barakat said during a lengthy interview with Al-Hayat TV.
After we failed to reach South Africa s finals, I felt really down. Later on, I informed the technical staff that I would retire from international football.
I was part of Egypt s squad that won back-to-back African Cup of Nations titles (in 2006 and 2008) and I also featured at many other international competitions, so I felt it s time to hang up my boots.
Barakat backtracked on his decision afterwards, but his niggling hamstring problem inhibited him from making Egypt s squad for the 2010 African Cup of Nations (CAN).
I was excluded from the squad because of my injury, he added.
The Ahly veteran, who has recently extended his deal at the Cairo club till 2013, played down suggestions that he was approached by the Red Devils arch-rivals Zamalek this winter.
Barakat s negotiations with Ahly over his new deal were quite prolonged, which prompted speculations that he would end his glittering six-year spell at the Egyptian champions in the current transfer window.
Barakat, who was also linked with a number of gulf clubs, assured that the majority of what was said about his future was baseless.
There were no talks between me and Zamalek, Barakat said. But indeed Masri were interested in my services.
At some point in the future I might consider joining a Saudi, Emirati or a Qatari outfit, but in Egypt I will only play for Ahly.
