Mohamed Salah‘s phenomenal season received further plaudits on a busy Thursday evening for the Egyptian as he collected three awards.
The 43-goal forward was presented with the Footballer of the Year award at the Football Writers’ Association awards in London having already won two prestigious awards at his club’s event.
A private jet facilitated the Egyptian appearing in person at both events where he spoke openly about being ‘written off’ after a disappointing first spell in the Premier League with Chelsea.
Mohamed Salah collected the Football Writers’ Association Footballer of the Year award
Salah smiles as he completes a hat-trick of gongs following a busy Thursday evening
The Egyptian posed for a photo with television presenter Gary Lineker at the ceremony
Salah had fun on his Instagram on Thursday as he showed fans his journey from Liverpool to London on a private jet as he collected three prestigious end of season awards
‘From the day I left Chelsea I wanted to prove people wrong. Everyone said I’m not good enough. I proved them wrong,’ Salah told reporters in the room.
‘I’m not the same player, I improved a lot in Rome but I can’t say everything is me. The team-mates are maybe different. The coach is tough and they always help me inside and outside the pitch.
‘Just wait for Sunday. I just want to break the (Premier League scoring) record and we’ll see afterwards.
‘From day one (Jurgen) Klopp had been my friend and told me how I can improve. They always try to give me the ball to score.’
Writing to the Football Writers’ Association in anticipation of the awards evening at the Landmark hotel, Klopp – who was unable to attend himself – hailed his star man.
‘It was typical of Mo’s character that he was so keen to attend, and I don’t mean he is greedy for awards but being gracious and well-mannered enough to make every effort to be there in person,’ he wrote.
Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp hailed Salah’s character in a letter to the Football Writers’
‘The fact you have written about him means you have witnessed his incredible ability as a footballer – but it’s his qualities as a person which should not be overlooked.
‘The only labels we should put on Mo is what a good person he is and what a fantastic footballer he is and, by the way, the first part of that is more important.
‘Mo, we are very proud of you and thankful for what you have done for this team and club. We look forward to sharing many more seasons with you at Liverpool.’
Salah’s hectic evening began by catching a lift with Liverpool team-mate and close friend Dejan Lovren.
The pair posted the funny video en route to the awards on Instagram to give fans a taste of what was to come later in the night.
Salah made his way to the event along with team-mate Lovren, who was designated driver
Salah is bidding to win his first piece of silverware since joining Liverpool from Roma having played a key role in guiding them to the Champions League final in Kiev later this month.
And while holders Real Madrid remain favourites in the showpiece event, Salah is not giving up on his dream of lifting the trophy.
‘Everyone expects Real Madrid to win but it is only one game,’ he continued.
‘Everyone is excited. It is one game. So let’s see. My dream was to be a professional. I wanted to play for a bit club; now my dream is to win the Champions League.’
Salah hinted after his brace at the Liverpool awards that he is to stay at Anfield for long-term
Earlier in the evening Salah took centre stage during his club’s celebrations and fans will have been pleased to hear him hinting at a long-term stay at Anfield.
‘Of course I have got ambitions for the future with Liverpool. As you can see we had a great season and now we are in the Champions League final and everyone is excited,’ he said.
‘It is just the start. This is my first year here and it is the same for some other players. We have had an unbelievable year.’
