Mohamed Salah spoke of his pride after becoming the first Liverpool player to score 50 goals in European competition in a 2-1 win over Lille.
Egyptian striker Salah scored his 50th goal in the first half for the Reds, who won through Harvey Elliott’s deflected winner after Jonathan David equalized for the visitors, who were reduced to 10 men.
Salah told Amazon Prime: “Hopefully I won’t be the last one (to reach 50 goals). I didn’t concentrate on the score before the game.
“I’m very happy and proud about that, especially because we won the game, that’s the most important thing.”
As well as Salah’s game-winning goal, his 23rd of the season in all competitions, the Reds celebrated their place in the last 16 of the Champions League by winning their seventh of seven games ahead of next week’s finals.
On his great finish in the first half, Salah added: “We got the ball and Curtis (Jones) played the ball very well at the end and I managed to score.”
“They didn’t switch off, but they counterattacked and managed to score a goal. The goal conceded is very important for us and our defense.”
MO SALAH DOES MO SALAH THINGS! 🇪🇬👑#UCLonPrime pic.twitter.com/8sOvMd1OjW
– Amazon Prime Video Sport (@primevideosport) January 21, 2025
Substitute Elliott was the hero on the night after his long-range shot found the bottom corner via a deflection and Salah was pleased to see the youngster make an impact after a series of serious injuries.
Salah said of his teammate: “He had injuries at the start of the season and it was difficult for him. I’m always there for him, he’s a great boy.
“If you want to win the biggest tournaments, you need a great squad.”
Elliott: I’m not going
Elliott has been linked with a move from Anfield in search of first-team football and opted for a pointed celebration that suggested he wanted to cut through the noise.
The midfielder said: “Honestly it’s pretty clear – I’m not going. This is my team and my club. I’m a big fan and we’re in a great position so far this season.
“I haven’t really seen the chat, but my friends have been messaging me and calling me about a few things.
“That always happens in January, especially when I’ve been out for a long time and haven’t played as much as I wanted, but that’s football.”
Of his defining moment, Elliott added: “It’s hard to put into words. All my life I have dreamed of playing Champions League football, not only for my childhood club, but also playing here at Anfield in front of our fans and above all scoring a goal is a moment for me pinches.”
David: Liverpool are the best team in the world
Lille goalscorer David was proud of his side’s performance at Anfield but says they are the best team in the world at the moment.
The Canadian striker said: “Very good team. I think they are perhaps the best team in the world at the moment.
“There’s one more goal (for me) tonight. I’m glad I scored a goal, but we didn’t manage to get the three points.”
