The Zamalek striker was left out of the 23-man squad announced on Wednesday by the Pharaohs head coach.

Hossam Ahmed Mido was left in shock when Egyptian head coach Hassan Shehata omitted him from the 23-man squad for the biennial Africa Cup of Nations tournament, which runs from January 10-31 in Angola.

Despite the Pharaohs missing key strikers such as the injured Amr Zaki, the 60 year-old coach left Mido in a state of disbelief, even more so with the way he found out about his exclusion.

"I knew that I was out of the squad through internet. No one from the team's technical staff phoned me," an angry Mido told Egyptian reporters on Thursday.

"This way is not acceptable for someone of my calibre. They should have informed me of their decision."

In spite of the dishonorable snub Mido said he will not hang his boots from international football.

"No one can force me to retire from international football and no decision can affect my self-confidence. I don't play with the national team for Shehata's sake; I play because I have deep affection for his country," he added.

"I will remain as strong as ever, and all people will see what I will do with Zamalek in the second half of the season."

Mido has scored 19 goals in 51 appearances for the six-time African champions.