Mohamed Salah pays tribute to Egypt team-mate Moamen Zakaria, who is battling incurable motor neurone disease, by emulating his trademark celebration after netting Liverpool’s winner in thriller against Leeds
- Mohamed Salah placed his hands on his ears after scoring three against Leeds
- The celebration is regularly performed by Egypt team-mate Moamen Zakaria
- Zakaria was recently diagnosed with the incurable Motor Neurone Disease
- His Al Ahly team-mates also paid tribute after their Egyptian Premier League win
Mohamed Salah paid tribute to his seriously ill Egypt team-mate Moamen Zakaria after scoring a hat-trick in Liverpool’s 4-3 victory over Leeds.
The forward celebrated his third goal at Anfield – his second from the penalty spot – by emulating Zakaria’s celebration, pressing his hands over his ears.
Zakaria is suffering with incurable Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly know as Motor Neurone Disease, which affects the brain and spinal chord.
Mohamed Salah paid tribute to Moamen Zakaria after scoring his hat-trick goal against Leeds
Egypt international Zakaria has been diagnosed with incurable Motor Neurone Disease
Players at Zakaria’s club side Al Ahly also showed solidarity with their ailing midfielder by reproducing his celebration after their 3-0 win over Ismaily,
The 32-year-old has posted an emotional message on Twitter to show his appreciation.
‘I thanked Al Ahly’s management and players,’ he said.
‘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.’
Salah fires down the middle from the penalty spot to give Liverpool the lead on four minutes
The forward scored his second and Liverpool’s third goal by volleying into the top corner
Salah performs Zakaria’s celebration after netting his hat-trick goal in Premier League win
Salah opened the scoring on four minutes in Liverpool’s Premier League season opener after his shot was handled by Robert Koch.
Jack Harrison levelled before Virgil van Dijk headed Liverpool back in front, but Patrick Bamford capitalised on the Dutchman’s error to restore parity.
Salah had his second when he volleyed brilliantly into the top corner on 33 minutes, however Mateusz Klich pegged the Reds back with his own stunning strike in the second half.
The Egyptian forward was able to complete his hat-trick in the closing minutes when Rodrigo tripped Fabinho. Salah held his nerve from the spot as the reigning champions secured a thrilling victory over newly-promoted opposition.