The Liverpool star had expressed his wish to face Real Madrid in the upcoming trophy decider.
Liverpool will face Real Madrid in the Champions League final on May 28.
The Reds defeated Villarreal 5-2 on aggregate to reach the Paris final. Speaking after his side’s semi-final tie, Mohamed Salah wished they would meet Real Madrid in the final.
The Blancos went on to beat Manchester City with an incredible comeback at Santiago Bernabeu. However, Salah’s comments triggered a backlash among Real Madrid fans, who interpreted it as a disrespect to their club.
“When [I said] I wish we could face Real Madrid, this was as if I said something wrong about them,” Salah told beIN Sports.
“I am talking about the strongest team in Champions League history, and I said that because of what happened before [2018 final in Kyiv].
“The match will be difficult, and this team has won almost against all the strong teams. [But] I am very excited about the final and I hope we can win it.”
The upcoming game will be a rematch of the 2018 UCL final, where Real Madrid defeated Liverpool to snatch the title.
Before the revenge game, however, Liverpool must end their Premier League campaign this Sunday. The Reds hope for a final day miracle as they sit one point behind league leaders Manchester City.
“I wish City lose or draw, and we can win the league,” Salah added.
“We talk to each other [as a team], and everyone is excited. This situation happened two years ago, and they won the league.
“We are all optimistic, and this is what is in your hands – you must win your match, and then you see what happens.”
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