Liverpool legend Mo Salah lifts Premier League trophy wrapped in Egypt flag

Liverpool legend Mo Salah lifts Premier League trophy wrapped in Egypt flag
Wednesday's win for Liverpool was also a moment of pride for Egyptians around the world.
3 min read
23 July, 2020
Mo Salah said described the moment as a 'dream come true' [Getty]

Liverpool lifted the Premier League trophy for the first time after a thrilling 5-3 win over Chelsea to deny the Blues a chance of sealing their place in next season's Champions League.

For Egyptian football fans, the trophy presentation was a moment of national pride as Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah lifted the trophy with his country's flag draped over his shoulders.

Salah, who has netted 19 goals in 33 appearances this season, became the first Egyptian to win English football's top trophy.

The 28-year-old Egypt captain is also the second ever Arab national player to win the league.

"I did say it was a dream come true," Salah said on Twitter a day after the celebration.

Salah is not only a record-breaking goalscorer, but also one of the most visibly Muslim players in the UK.

The superstar player regularly performs an Islamic prostration to thank God every time he scores a goal, an action which has been included in the FIFA 2019 video game.

His football success has proved extremely popular among local fans, with the 27-year-old credited with bringing hate crime and Islamophobia down in the Liverpool area since joining the club, according to a study.

'Couldn't be happier'

Liverpool Manager Jurgen Klopp said having the opportunity to lift the Premier League trophy at Anfield meant the world to him, despite the occasion taking place in an empty stadium with fans shut out due to coronavirus.

"You make the best of what you can," Klopp told Sky Sports. "Today our families are allowed to be there which is incredible. It means the world to me.

"Everything would be better with fans but for months we knew that would be impossible. A few months ago I thought it was impossible that we play football.

"I couldn't be happier to be honest, it would be perfect if the stadium would be full but we cannot change it. What we tried to do is make it clear to the people that we really do it for them. It's an absolutely great moment."

Despite pleas for fans to stay away on the night Liverpool finally got their hands on the coveted trophy, supporters crowded around the stadium even prior to kick-off.

The second half was accompanied by the constant crackling of fireworks lit by fans outside the ground.

Read also: Salaam, Liverpool: Salah and Mane, the Muslims who saved a club

On the field, Klopp's men ensured a memorable night was accompanied by a positive result after just two wins in five previous games since they clinched the title.

And the German again promised the fans a proper party with a parade planned through the city once restrictions are lifted.

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