Egyptian veteran striker Hossam Hassan has insisted on Saturday that he will not hang up his boots after lifting the African Cup of Nations (ACN) trophy. Reports suggested that Hassan will call it quits after guiding Egypt to the title, especially as he closing on 40 and playing for mid-table side Masri. "Right now, I feel I am better than before," Hassan told BBC sport. "I am feeling younger as I grow. I am 39 now but I have at least two more years to go," he added. Hassan clinched his third African title, a record fifth time for Egypt, after the Pharaohs' 4-2 penalty shootout win over Ivory Coast on Friday. The former Ahli and Zamalek star has launched his international career 20 years ago and was a member of Egypt's squad that won the 1986 African Cup.
Hassan celebrates after scoring against DR Congo Hassan, who played in seven African tournaments, expressed his delight after the Egyptian fans left Cairo Stadium full of joy and happiness. "This is good for me and my country. I am happy for my country and my Egyptian people. This is the best day of my life," he said. "I like football and the most important thing is that I have the support from the Egyptian people," he added. Banners bearing Hassan's photo and reading the word "The Legend" decorated the Cairo International Stadium in all Egypt's games. Despite relegated to a substitute role, Hassan stamped the Egyptian campaign towards the title with an outstanding goal during his side's 4-1 drubbing of DR Congo in the tournament's quarter-finals.
