• Former Spurs striker replaces sacked manager
• Career took in Middlesbrough, Wigan, West Ham and Barnsley

Mido has been appointed coach of the Cairo club Zamalek.

The Al-Ahram newspaper says the move makes Mido, who turns 31 on Thursday, the youngest top-level coach ever in Egyptian football. The former Tottenham, Marseille and Roma striker replaces Helmy Toulan, who was fired on Monday.

“For those who criticise my appointment because of my age, it is normal in Europe and I am ready for the challenge, especially as I was always a leader on the pitch as a player,” Mido told Egyptian TV.

“I refused to coach the youth team at Paris Saint-Germain, Egypt’s Masry and other offers to take charge of my beloved club.”

Mido began his playing career at Zamalek before moving to Belgium, the Netherlands, Spain, France, Italy and England. He had two more spells as a player with Zamalek before leaving the English club Barnsley last year. His English career also took in Middlesbrough, Wigan and West Ham United.

Al-Ahram says no details of Mido’s contract were released by Zamalek, five-times African club champions and winners of 11 league titles who have gambled on the former Egypt international despite him having no major coaching experience.

• Zamalek
• Tottenham Hotspur

theguardian.com