Veteran right-back Ahmed Fathi will leave Ahly by the end of the current season after a glittering and lengthy spell with the Cairo giants, the club announced on Wednesday.

“Ahly wish the best of luck to Fathi after the end of the season,” read a brief statement on Ahly’s official website.

The future of the 35-year-old Fathi with the Reds was thrown into doubt recently as his current contract is due to expire by the end of the season, which is currently suspended due to the worldwide outbreak of the coronavirus.

On Monday, Ahly’s football committee members sat down with the player, who said he needed 48 hours to consider the club’s offer and give his final say.

Fathi, who was reportedly offered EGP 11 million per season, joined Ahly in 2007 from English Premier League club Sheffield United.

The former Ismaily man established himself as one of Ahly’s key players and most consistent performers, helping them to a host of titles and scoring 24 goals in 338 appearances in all competitions.

He was specifically lauded for his impressive defensive abilities and he also had notable contributions in the final third, scoring a decisive goal which rescued Ahly’s league campaign in 2009 and netting a precious winner in the Egypt Cup final against Masry

Fathi, who won the African Cup of Nations three times with Egypt in 2006, 2008 and 2010, won 17 titles with Ahly, including nine Egyptian league crowns, three African Champions League trophies and one Confederation Cup accolade.

He had two short loan stints with Kwuait’s Kazma SC in the 2007/2008 season and English side Hull City in 2013.

In the 2014/2015 season, he joined Qatari side Umm Salal, before rejoining Ahly in 2015.

Earlier in March, Ahly also announced the departure of veteran midfielder and long-standing captain Hossam Ahsour and goalkeeper Sherif Ekramy by the end of the current season, a few days after winger Walid Soliman, another experienced player, signed a two-year contract extension.