'Mo Salah helped bring our communities together'

While speculation continues about Mohamed Salah's future at Liverpool, members of the city's Arab community say they want him to stay as his impact has "brought everyone together".

"As Liverpool supporters we love him, but as Arabs and Africans, it's even more," says Otto Mellouki.

He believes Liverpool's third top goal scorer of all-time has "paid the price" with the fallout from last weekend's explosive interview.

"He's made a mistake. Let's just move on," he says.

The Moroccan-born businessman adds: "Don't forget, Salah - he's an Arab, he's hot-blooded. You know it's going to come out but really his heart is clean and I don't think he meant what he said."

Fans cheered as Salah came on as a substitute during the Reds' Premier League 2-0 win against Brighton.

It was the 33-year-old's first time in the squad since claiming he had been "thrown under the bus" by the club following last weekend's 3-3 draw with Leeds.

Mr Mellouki, originally from Casablanca, moved to Liverpool at the age of 16 and helps to run Bakchich restaurant on Bold Street, which hosted Salah and his wife for a meal following his arrival at the club in 2017.

"He wasn't that famous then. He'd just signed up for Liverpool but he was very humble, polite."

Speaking about the port city, he adds: "The whole of Liverpool is built on immigration and I think it was easy for him to gel in."

However Salah's goals, followed by a prostration in prayer, and his charitable contributions soon drew global attention beyond football fans.

He was credited with breaking down cultural barriers, especially after Liverpool fans crowned him their "Egyptian king" and sung that he was "a gift from Allah".

In 2019, he became the only male footballer to make Time magazine's list of the world's 100 most influential people.

There are about 8,000 residents of Arab origin in Liverpool and Muslims make up about 5% of the city's population, according to the 2021 census.

Mr Mellouki says Salah's impact "made it easier for ethnic minorities and for Scousers in general, whether you're black or white or Chinese - I think he brought everyone together".

He says children look up to the player as a role model.

"They're not shy anymore - everyone wants to be Salah, whether you're Moroccan or Egyptian or from anywhere in the Arab world."

However as a Reds fan, he is frustrated by recent results, and says the team "hasn't been performing and he hasn't been performing as well".

Egyptian-born businessman Mohamad Farouk, who has lived in Liverpool for 23 years, met Salah at his restaurant Souk.

"I've also seen Salah both in the mosque and at Anfield. In the mosque, he's humble, calm and completely respectful - no ego at all."

He says the player had contributed to local and international causes including youth football, adding: "He does a lot quietly without seeking publicity, which shows how genuine he is."

Born in the mainly agricultural community of Nagrig, Salah is "proof that someone from a small village can reach the very top," Mr Farouk adds.

"He completely shifted perceptions. He made millions see Muslims in a positive light - a disciplined, humble, world-class professional.

"Wherever Egyptians travel, people say 'Egypt? Salah!' and it is said with respect."

He says he will be "disappointed" if the player leaves Liverpool, adding that his impact means "we prefer him to stay forever but wherever he goes, we wish him the best".

Mr Mellouki hopes Salah will "enjoy the weather in Morocco" for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations and return "full of energy and his mind clear".

"He's been looked after. Liverpool have given him the platform to showcase himself," he says.

"He's given a lot to Liverpool, he's won trophies for them. He's put Liverpool on the map as well.

"We shouldn't let one interview ruin everything but if he does want to leave, it's got to be done properly through the proper channels.

"He shouldn't burn any bridges because this is his home and you never, never turn your back on your home."

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