MO SALAH dedicated his opening-day hat-trick to ill Egypt team-mate Moamen Zakaria.
The Liverpool forward, 28, smashed in three of his side’s four goals in the topsy-turvy 4-3 win over Leeds on Saturday.
Mo Salah dedicated his Liverpool hat-trick to Egypt team-mate Moamen Zakaria who has motor neurone diseaseCredit: EPA
That included two penalties as well as a stunning strike into the top corner while Virgil van Dijk headed in the other at Anfield.
And after completing his treble with the late winner, Salah pressed his hands over his ears and stuck his tongue out to emulate Zakaria’s celebration.
Zakaria, 32, was diagnosed with Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) – also known as motor neurone disease – earlier this year and will not play professional football again.
The illness affects the brain, spinal cord and nerves.
It gets gradually worse over time as the cells stop working and there is no known cure for the condition.
Former Liverpool right-back Stephen Darby also suffers from ALS and started a foundation to support people affected with the disease.
As well as Liverpool star Salah, players from Zakaria’s club Al Ahly also joined in a moment of solidarity by doing the celebration after their win over Ismaily.
And the attacking midfielder, 32, took to Twitter to show his appreciation.
Salah smashed his first penalty down the middle and then placed the second into the cornerCredit: AP:Associated Press
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp congratulates his forward after he collected the match ballCredit: AFP or licensors
He wrote: “I thanked Al Ahly’s management and players.
“I enjoyed one of the most beautiful days of my life with. It was one of the sweetest days in my life for almost two years.
“I thank all fans. Your prayers to me for a speedy recovery.”
Zakaria won three Egyptian Premier Leagues in a row between 2015 and 2017 as well as three Egypt Cups.
He made his Egpyt national-team debut in 2014 and earned 12 caps including three as he helped the Pharaohs qualify for the 2018 World Cup.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
