OOC chairman felicities the top Omani goalkeeper legendary Ali al Habsi
Sayyid Khalid bin Hamad Al Busaidi, Chairman of Oman Olympic Committee (OOC), received in his office on Monday former goalkeeper of the national football team, Ali bin Abdullah Al Habsi. During the meeting, OOC Chairman thanked Al Habsi on behalf of Oman Olympic and Sports family in the Sultanate for his positive and massive contribution to development of Oman’s football as well as his honorable presence in all the domestic, GCC and abroad teams. Taha bin Suleiman al Kishry, the General Secretary of OOC, and Mohsin al Masroori, OOC Board member, attended the meeting.
The 38 year old announced on Friday through his official page in twitter his retirement in football and twitted, “After years in which I had the honour to represent a number of clubs , today I announce the end of my career as a football player. I express my sincere thanks to everyone who has supported me throughout my career, confirming my continued service to my country from other locations.”
Oman’s fans were very active with Ali’s decision after his wide footballing experience at domestic, Arabian and global era. His decision was appreciated by all after a successful journey of 135 international matches in different events and tournaments.
The appreciation from OOC came as consequence of his top performance as legendary goalkeeper according to FIFA.com website. His golden period as football international player which approached 20 years was full of many honorable achievements that he accomplished at the level of the national team, the professional clubs that he represented as he was the best ambassador for the Arab world and became an honorable model for future generations. Ali’s name was shining during all the previous years in the football globally as he showed top and solid technical performance at the domestic, Gulf, Arab, Asian and international levels.
He started his football career with home town club Al Mudhaibi in 1998,. Then, he transferred to Al Nasr before moving to Norwegian outfit Lyn. Then, he began new journey at Premier League as he had joined English club Bolton Wanderers and then moved to Wigan, Brighton & Hove Albion and Reading teams. Later, Ali had decided for anther movement to the top Saudi teams as he had joined to Al Hilal SFC and then he returned back to English Premier League last August to play for West Bromwich Albion.
Ali’s journey with the national team had started in 2002 and he had took part with the team a the AFC Asian Cup in 2004. He was named for best goalkeeper in five editions of the regional tournament as well he supported the team to lift the 2009 Gulf Cup title for first time.
FIFA tweeted in their Arabic page:” Our sincere congratulations to the legendary Omani goalkeeper, Ali Al Habsi, on his wonderful football career, which he decided to end today after years of brilliance at club and national level. Thank you for the memories and the high manners, Captain Ali, and our best wishes for every success in your future destinations.” .
