Ex-Spurs star plans shock return at 41 after ‘10-year vacation’ – with bold goal claim made by enigmatic Egyptian striker Mido

The enigmatic striker - who also spent time in Europe with Ajax, Marseille, Roma, Middlesbrough and Wigan – took in his last competitive appearance prior to severing ties with Barnsley in January 2013. His retirement was said to have been confirmed later that year.

Mido turned 41 in February and has spent time in management since supposedly hanging up his boots. He has, however, hinted at a return to playing duties – with a typically outspoken goal claim being made ahead of potentially stepping back onto the field.

Mido has told ON Time Sports: “I am thinking about returning to play. My journey is not complete. I will return to play in the Egyptian League, and I bet that if I return to the Egyptian League, I will score at least 10 goals. I can score 10 goals while just standing there on the field, even though I am 41 years old. There are no strikers in the Egyptian league, and the current level is what encourages me to return.”

He added on working his way back towards match fitness: “I am 60 per cent ready now and I will go through the preparation period with a historic team. It is a sweet story. I did not retire, but I was on vacation for 10 years. I train with the ball to gain feeling.”

Mido gave nothing away when asked which team he could link up with if he were to deliver on his playing promise. There have been suggestions that he would rejoin the ranks at Ismaily – having filled his last coaching post there, which lasted just nine games in the 2022-23 campaign.