CAIRO -Egypt's and Ahly's icon Mohamed Abou Treika was named Sunday as the third most popular player in the world, according to a poll organised by FIFA's International Federation of Football History and Statistics (IFFHS). According to the Arabic-language daily Al-Gomhuria, Abou Treika won 21,837 votes during the first month of the poll, which runs until the end of December. Iranian Karim Bajeiri came first with 30,416 votes, followed by his compatriot Ferhad Majedi. Portugal's Cristiano Ronaldo was in eighth place and Argentina's Lionel Messi in tenth. Abou Treika, who turned 32, is as enthusiastic as ever about continuing with his hugely successful career. This popular player celebrated his birthday at his club with his teammates and the coaching staff after a training session late on Saturday, but media persons were upset because they were prevented from attending the ceremony, although they had been invited by Ahly's director of football, Hadi Khashaba. The Ahly playmaker has earned cult status among Ahly's faithful with a string of match-winning performances, helping the team snatch a host of domestic and continental triumphs over the past six years. He has lost some of his pace and agility this season, but remains a hugely popular figure in the club, as popular as legends Saleh Selim and Mahmoud Al- Khatib. Some pundits have, surprisingly, been calling on Abou Treika to hang up his boots after some disappointing displays so far this season, but he believes the time has not come to call it a day. "I don't think about retirement," the Egyptian international, who has also helped the Pharaohs to three consecutive African Cup of Nations titles, said at his birthday party. "I'll retire when I feel that I'm no longer able to perform well. My honesty and responsibility towards Ahly fans will oblige me to announce my retirement once I feel that I can no longer play at the highest level." The 32-year-old footballer was kept on the bench during the Red Devils' 3-2 Egyptian Premier League victory over ENPPI on Thursday, as coach Hossam el-Badri said he needed a rest. Ahly's fans stood by their star, lifting a banner that reads: "For those who want Abou Treika to retire, there is an ordinary player born every day but Abou Treika is a legend.” "The support of the fans continues to give me a wonderful boost," the mildmannered player added.
