Liverpool’s Mo Salah was named PFA Player of the Year on Sunday evening, beating Manchester City’s Kevin de Bruyne to the award.
The Egyptian international has scored 31 goals in the Premier League this season, equalling a record jointly held by Alan Shearer, Cristiano Ronaldo and Luis Suarez. With three games still to play in the league, the 25-year-old looks well placed to break the record.
Shortly after receiving the award, Salah told Manish Bhasin how he’d always intended to prove himself in England despite his disappointing spell as a Chelsea player – the audience particularly enjoying his honest response to the host’s question.
While on stage, Salah was also shown a recorded message from his Liverpool manager, Jürgen Klopp.
Despite paying tribute to Salah’s remarkable first season at Anfield, Klopp – like his player – managed to get a few laughs from those in attendance.
“It’s really rare in football that you win a trophy as an individual because it’s a team game,” he began. “This team lives from personalities, from characters, from players and I’m really happy that I had the opportunity to be your manager in the last year.”
“I think this award, voted for by all the other players in all the leagues in England, is an unbelievable honour.
“You can be really proud and your family can be really proud. On behalf of the LFC family, again, congratulations.”
Bringing to a close his message, Klopp made clear he expected Salah to remain at Anfield for many years to come. With an eye on Tuesday’s Champions League semi-final first leg against Salah’s former club, Roma, Klopp also reminded him he was needed back on Merseyside as soon as possible.
“The best wishes for the future here at LFC,” he grinned. “Now please, grab the trophy and come home. We play on Tuesday.”
