'560 million people want Salah to win FIFA's The Best award'

While inaugurating the new headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association, FIFA president’s paid tribute to the country and its icon Mohamed Salah.

FIFA president Gianni Infantino believes Mohamed Salah is a ‘football legend’ and praised the star’s journey to the pinnacle of football.

Speaking in Cairo at the presentation of the new headquarters of the Egyptian Football Association (EFA) this week, Infantino revealed his admiration for Salah and how around 560 million Egyptians and Arabs hope he’ll win The FIFA Best award.

The 29-year-old is a nominee for the 2021 FIFA The Best Men’s Player of the Year award after impressing for Liverpool and the Egypt national team again.

“Not only 110 million Egyptians are rooting for Salah, but 450 million Arabs are also hoping he wins the award,” said Infantino as quoted on FIFA.com.

“Mohamed Salah is a football legend. Egypt has seen a lot of football legends, but Salah has taken a different path and he started it early in Switzerland. I wish him the best of luck.”

🔴 افتتاح المقر الجديد لاتحاد الكرة ومركز المنتخبات الوطنية …⬇️⬇️#EFA pic.twitter.com/FoCXez5pfW

— EFA.eg (@EFA) November 25, 2021

Infantino praises Egyptian football

Aside from praising Salah, FIFA’s president also spoke of his fondness for Egyptian football and its culture.

Infantino added: “There are 110 million people in Egypt that love the sport. When I meet Egyptians around the world they always tell me they love football, and they ask me which team do I prefer, Al Ahly or Zamalek, but I always reply that I like them both the same.

“I am a big fan of both Egyptian football and culture, and now we are celebrating the EFA which was founded 100 years ago. That means celebrating 100 years of African football and 100 years of legends.”

The 2021 FIFA The Best winner for the men’s edition will be unveiled on January 17 in an online ceremony.

Salah returns to action for Liverpool on Saturday in a Premier League match against Southampton. For match details and betting tips, check out the link here.