The 32-year-old is struggling to compete with Abdul-Wahed Al-Sayed for first-team football, even so he declared other reasons are behind his decision.

"I made my decision in October, but I didn’t want to announce it before," Abdul-Monsef told FilGoal.com on Monday.

"I have been subjected to severe criticism recently and there are personal reasons behind my intention to leave, but I wish to keep them for myself.

"I have been with Zamalek for 10 years and I was always under the club's command, but I prefer to leave now."

Abdul-Monsef was reportedly linked with a move to Ahli in the summer, but the Red Devils have made a move for Gouna goalie Sherif Ekrami.