Liverpool star Mohamed Salah first came to Europe when FC Basel took him from Egyptian side Al Mokawloon Al Arab in 2012.
Prior to joining the Swiss club, the forward spent two seasons with Al Mokawloon’s senior team, after spending four years with their academy. Hamdi Nooh managed the 28-year-old at the African club.
Ahead of the Merseyside club’s Champions League clash against Real Madrid, Spanish newspaper AS interviewed Nooh, asking him about the Egypt international.
“I met him when he was only 14 years old and he was already very strong physically and mentally. Those qualities helped him to be a very fast footballer with and without the ball. Besides, off the field he was polite and decent,” he said.
“He used to focus on positive things, but he also worked on improving his weak points to improve day by day. He lived far from the training centre and had to make a great effort to come.”
“Yes, he may consider leaving Liverpool in case there is a better offer, but that’s my own opinion. He is unique and his family is everything to him,” Nooh explained.
Speaking to AS earlier this season, Salah opened the door to a Spain move in the future. Nooh remains hopeful the attacker will make a switch to La Liga, in the event he decides to leave Liverpool.
“I can’t guess. I enjoy watching Madrid, Barcelona or Bayern, but my heart will always be where Salah is. Anyway, I will be very happy if he goes to a Spanish club in the end. Spanish football is my favourite,” he stressed.
The midweek European clash between Jürgen Klopp’s side and Real Madrid will be the first match since the Reds’ 2018 Champions League final defeat in Kiev. Salah had to leave the pitch early in the match after being injured by Sergio Ramos.
Regarding that incident, Nooh said: “Salah will never forget the incident with Ramos. He cried at that 
time because he was sad and angry. It was a very important game for him after a great season.
“He wanted to continue that match because he is very professional, but it was impossible. He is a player with exemplary behaviour, who inspires people and for that he received a lot of support.”
