MUSCAT: Oman’s football legend Ali Al Habsi has announced his retirement from football on Friday at the age of 38.
“After years in which I had the honor to represent a number of clubs , today I announce the end of my career as a football player,” Al Habsi wrote on his official Twitter handle.
“I express my sincere thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout my career, confirming my continued service to my country from other locations,” Al Habsi added.
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Al Habsi who retired from international football early in January, made his national team debut more than 18-years ago.
The 38-year-old Al Habsi is considered one Asia’s best goalkeepers and is the only Omani to have played club football in England and Norway.
After starting his football career with home town club Al Mudhaibi in 1998, Al Habsi made several appearances for Al Nasr before making a bold move to join Norwegian outfit Lyn.
His impressive performances in Norway earned him a place with English club Bolton Wanderers before playing for Wigan, Brighton & Hove Albion and Reading.
He then moved to Saudi Arabia, where he joined Al Hilal SFC before returning to England last August to play for West Bromwich Albion. Al Habsi featured in three AFC Asian Cup Finals for Oman and he helped them win the 2009 Gulf Cup title. He was named best goalkeeper in five editions of the regional tournament and retires with 135 international caps to his name.
