Liverpool star Mohamed Salah laughs after being asked about seventh-place finish in the Ballon d’Or
Mohamed Salah saw the funny side of things after bursting into laughter when he was asked about his seventh-place finish at the Ballon d’Or.
The Liverpool star was the fourth highest-placed Premier League player in the results for the award – won by Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi for a record-extending seventh time – in Paris on Monday, behind Cristiano Ronaldo and Chelsea midfield duo N’Golo Kante and Jorginho.
But the Egyptian – whose deal at Anfield is set to expire in the summer of 2023 – put aside that disappointment by scoring twice for the Reds in their thumping 4-1 victory at Everton in the Merseyside derby on Wednesday night.
Mohamed Salah burst out laughing after being asked about his seventh-place finish in the Ballon d’Or
The Egyptian was asked the question after scoring twice in Liverpool’s 4-1 win at Everton
The 29-year-old – who has now netted 19 goals in as many games across all competitions this season – was in jubilant mood at Goodison Park but his biggest laugh of the night probably came in his post-match interview.
When asked by the Amazon Prime Video reporter about finishing seventh in the Ballon d’Or, Salah burst out with a small laugh, and continued doing so while shaking his head, after which he said twice: ‘I have no comment’.
When the reporter told Salah he feels he will be higher next year if he continues scoring at his current frenetic rate, the Egypt international replied: ‘Ah hopefully, we’ll never know, thank you.’
Salah, 29, doubled the Reds’ lead after a swift counter inside 20 minutes at Goodison Park
He then made it 19 goals in as many games after punishing Seamus Coleman’s error
However, Salah’s refusal to engage with the subject drew praise from former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry, who himself was controversially denied the Ballon d’Or in 2003.
‘What it (Salah’s Ballon d’Or comment) does is let his football do the talking,’ the former Barcelona and France forward told Amazon Prime Video.
‘There’s no point to talk he will get what he deserves at the end of the day. It was a good day which was the most important thing.’
But Salah shook his head before saying twice ‘I have no comment’ about the Ballon d’O results
Paris Saint-Germain star Lionel Messi won the award for the seventh time in Paris on Monday
The Reds remain in third despite their victory at Goodison Park, with Manchester City and leaders Chelsea also winning on Wednesday at Aston Villa and Watford respectively.
But Jurgen Klopp’s men were the most convincing winners of the trio, with Salah netting from a quick counter ten minutes after captain Henderson had curled home a delicious opener with his left foot.
Demarai Gray gave the Toffees hope by halving the deficit before half-time, but Salah restored the Reds’ two-goal lead in the second half after capitalising on Seamus Coleman’s error, before Jota rifled home a fourth.
On whether he has a target for goals scored this season, Salah added: ‘My first target is to win something with the club, Champions League, Premier League, hopefully both. That’s the main target for anyone.’
Former Arsenal striker Thierry Henry praised Salah for not engaging with the question
