The 35-year-old will depart at the end of the 2019/20 season with his name firmly engraved in the club's history books as a former captain that lifted 18 major titles over two separate stints.
Having first joined the club in 2007 from English Premier League side Sheffield United in a R15 million transfer, the tireless right-back has developed into one of the finest defenders in African football.
With nine Egyptian Premier League titles and three Champions League winners medals amongst the host of silverware won with the Cairo giants, the club released a cryptic message that sparked exit rumours.
Having wished Fathi the best of luck for the future during the current suspension of football due to the novel coronavirus, the 132-time capped Egypt defender confirmed the surprising news on social media.
"After more than 12 years of achievements at the club, I think this is the best time to look for a new challenge in my professional career and pass the torch to the younger generation," Fathi said.
"This is life and its one of the hardest decisions I have taken in my 20-year long career as a professional football player."