Salah “proud” after becoming the first Liverpool player to reach 50 goals in Europe

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 grabbed his 50th in the first half for the Reds, who won through a winner which was deflected by Harvey Elliott after Jonathan David had equalized for the visitors, who were down to 10 men.

Salah told Amazon Prime: “I hope I’m not the last one (to reach 50 goals). I wasn’t focused on the record before the game.

“It’s something I’m very happy and proud of, especially because we won the game, that’s the most important thing.”

In addition to Salah’s landmark goal, which was his 23rd of the season in all competitions, the Reds celebrated their place in the last 16 of the Champions League as they won their seventh game in seven ahead of next week’s final games.

Of his slick first-half finish, Salah added: “We got the ball and Kurtis (Jones) finally played it really well and I managed to score.

“They weren’t sent off, but they counter-attacked and managed to score a goal. “A clean network is very important to us and our back line.”

MO SALAH DOES MO SALAH WORK! 🇪🇬👑#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 delighted to see the youngster make an impact after a tough run of injuries.

Salah said of his team-mate: “He had injuries at the beginning of the season and it was difficult for him. I’m always there for him, he’s a great guy.

“When you want to win the biggest tournaments, you need a great team.”

Elliot: I’m not leaving

Elliott had been linked with a move away from Anfield in search of first-team football and decided to use an emphatic celebration that suggested he was putting down the noise.

The midfielder said: “It’s pretty clear to be honest – I’m not leaving. This is my team and my club. I’m a big fan and we’re in a great position so far this season.

“I didn’t actually see the conversation, but my friends texted me and called me about a few things.

“It’s always going to happen in January, especially after being out for a long time and not playing as much as I want, but that’s football.”

Of his winning 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 boyhood club, but to play here at Anfield in front of our fans and especially to score a goal is a moment for me.

David: Liverpool is the best team in the world

Lille goalscorer David was proud of his side’s efforts at Anfield, but says they have come up against the best team in the world at the moment.

The Canadian forward said: “Very good team. I think they might be the best team in the world right now.

“Tonight is another goal (for me). “I’m happy that I managed to score a goal, but we didn’t manage to get the three points.”