It is better than any other achievement

Salah won two Premier League titles and a Champions League before leaving Liverpool at the end of last season, as well as a host of individual awards, but he says this is his finest hour.

He said: “I always feel proud to wear this shirt, nothing makes me prouder than that, and I always like to see the boys happy and enjoy the moment, there’s nothing like that. Today was the best day of my life, I’m making history with the team, and I’m trying to give my best and play injured. [hamstring injury]because this is what I am doing for the country. I’m proud of this moment and I’m proud of the boys and I don’t want to take any credit from them. They are making history today.

“It is a completely different feeling when someone writes a good story for the people of Egypt – better than any other achievement I could talk about. I always say that I always try to give people hope and ambition. Thank God, I was able to [achieve] good thing abroad, but [Egyptians know] I have so much desire. I always talk to the players before the game and in the dressing room [about these being matches] that cannot be changed.

“Many previous generations might have won [AFCON titles] several times, but they were not lucky enough to play in the World Cup. Remember that this time you are in is a time that will never be repeated. This is the biggest stage you can play on as football players, so let’s enjoy it. Don’t let the pressure take over this time, because after this you may not find yourself here again.”

Egypt’s World Cup success outweighs AFCON disappointment – ​​Salah

Salah was part of two Egyptian teams that reached the finals of the Africa Cup of Nations but he says success in the world is different.

“What we did [against Australia] you are something that cannot be forgotten by all people.” He added: “What does it mean to me personally? It means a lot to me because this generation was not lucky enough to win something in the Africa Cup of Nations. We lost twice in the finals and reached the semi-finals many times, but we were unlucky. However, God compensated us by making us reach this stage and being able to act in this way, and for everyone to talk about us. This is something that makes us all proud. It would be the greatest achievement in the history of this generation. I hope there will be something bigger than this, God willing, in what is to come, but we don’t know what will happen.

“I always hope that I can give people hope that they can achieve and reach a big place, especially children, I mean more than young people, it shouldn’t be that you have someone in a position to play football, I want someone to be a doctor in the field, everyone has hope.

“He says that this person gave us hope when things were difficult in the world, even if we look back [and say that]. These are the things, the experiences, that I try to convey to…anyone who talks to me about anything. My dream is to look back and say ‘yes, I had a good career, people learned from me, and people hoped that there was something good they could achieve.”

Salah does not have a team after leaving Anfield and is expected to move to one of the Saudi Pro League teams when the World Cup ends.

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