Mohamed Salah suggested there is no substance to rumours of international retirement after the Egypt forward bowed out of the World Cup with defeat to Saudi Arabia on Monday.
The Liverpool star, who missed the opening Group A match as he recovered from a shoulder injury sustained in last month’s Uefa Champions League final, has endured a difficult time in Russia despite scoring two goals.
Aside from his delayed tournament debut, Salah’s interaction with Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov – the team’s World Cup base was in Grozny – attracted significant negative publicity. Then on Sunday, CNN reported that subsequently Salah was considering retiring from his national team, something the Egypt FA denied.
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More from 2018 World Cup
John McAuley: Saudi Arabia earn 'important' win over Egypt to finish third in Group A
Richard Jolly: Uruguay hand Russia a World Cup reality check to top Group A
Day 12 updates: All the news, previews, features and reports from Russia
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Salah was asked after the 2-1 defeat to Saudi, an encounter in which he notched the opener and was named man of the match, if he would take to social media to clarify his situation. He replied: "No tweets, because no problem."
The result means Egypt finish bottom of their pool, with no points from three games. Their quest for a first World Cup victory – this was their third appearance at the finals and first in 28 years – continues.
Asked if Salah, 26, was about to give up on international football, manager Hector Cuper said: “I don’t think so. I don’t think it’s true because all those who are here, and lots who couldn’t come, really, really appreciate the opportunity to play for their national team. So I don’t think that’s true.
“I think Salah has played a great game. Maybe he was not able to do what he normally does, what we’re used to, but he scored. He had another opportunity, I think it was offside, but he did play well.
“Maybe we could have expected more, but he cannot be the only one to give everything. He needs help and support from his teammates as he supports his teammates.”
TWISTERS
Director:+Lee+Isaac+Chung
Starring:+Glen+Powell,+Daisy+Edgar-Jones,+Anthony+Ramos
Rating:+2.5/5
What is Genes in Space?
Genes in Space is an annual competition first launched by the UAE Space Agency, The National and Boeing in 2015.
It challenges school pupils to design experiments to be conducted in space and it aims to encourage future talent for the UAE’s fledgling space industry. It is the first of its kind in the UAE and, as well as encouraging talent, it also aims to raise interest and awareness among the general population about space exploration.
THE BIO
Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old
Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai
Favourite Book: The Alchemist
Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail
Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna
Favourite cuisine: Italian food
Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman
The biog
Age: 30
Position: Senior lab superintendent at Emirates Global Aluminium
Education: Bachelor of science in chemical engineering, post graduate degree in light metal reduction technology
Favourite part of job: The challenge, because it is challenging
Favourite quote: “Be the change you wish to see in the world,” Gandi
Fixtures
50-over match
UAE v Lancashire, starts at 10am
Champion County match
MCC v Surrey, four-day match, starting on Sunday, March 24, play starts at 10am
Both matches are at ICC Academy, Dubai Sports City. Admission is free.
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl, 48V hybrid
Transmission: eight-speed automatic
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 450Nm
Price: Dh359,000
On sale: now
Most polluted cities in the Middle East
1. Baghdad, Iraq
2. Manama, Bahrain
3. Dhahran, Saudi Arabia
4. Kuwait City, Kuwait
5. Ras Al Khaimah, UAE
6. Ash Shihaniyah, Qatar
7. Abu Dhabi, UAE
8. Cairo, Egypt
9. Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
10. Dubai, UAE
Source: 2022 World Air Quality Report
MOST POLLUTED COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD
1. Chad
2. Iraq
3. Pakistan
4. Bahrain
5. Bangladesh
6. Burkina Faso
7. Kuwait
8. India
9. Egypt
10. Tajikistan
Source: 2022 World Air Quality Report
COMPANY PROFILE
Company: Eco Way
Started: December 2023
Founder: Ivan Kroshnyi
Based: Dubai, UAE
Industry: Electric vehicles
Investors: Bootstrapped with undisclosed funding. Looking to raise funds from outside