Exclusive: Mohamed Salah answers questions from fans

Mohamed Salah sublime skills and speed might have made him the most famous player in Egypt but he’s not one to chase the limelight.

In a rare and exclusive interview, the Giallorossi No.11 answers questions submitted by fans…

Why did you choose Roma?

“I chose Roma for many reasons. I want to win something here. I like the city. I like the club. I think I’m happy here and I like everything.”

What is your favorite Italian dish in Rome?

“My favorite Italian dish is pasta with tomato and rice.”

What do you think about Roma’s round of 16 draw against Real Madrid?

“I think we can do it. I think, in my opinion, we can do it. I’ve always have had a dream to play against Real Madrid. Everybody knows Real Madrid but for us we need to do our job, we need to do our work, we need to stay focused in order to fight and play well. I think we can do it.”

What do you want to improve in your playing style?

“I want to improve my shooting from outside the box, use my right foot more, use my head more and play with more speed.”

Why did you choose number 11?

“I chose number 11 because it’s nice. I didn’t want to have a crazy number. We don’t have a lot of numbers and I didn't want to go with my Egypt number because number 10 isn’t available!”

What is your message to the children and youth players in Egypt?

“My message would be that you have to dream. What else can I say? You have to believe in yourself - trust yourself. You have to fight to reach your goal. You can’t say, ‘I’m not this way’ or ‘I’m not this person’. You have to believe in yourself. You have to fight. Then I’m sure you will reach what you want.”

What do Egypt need to do to qualify for a World Cup?

“In order to qualify we need to be strong. We need to be more together. We have to believe in ourselves and we have to fight. It’s not easy to go to the World Cup. I know its difficult but it is not impossible. I think this time next year we will be in the World Cup.”

What is the best goal you’ve ever scored in your career?

“I think my first goal here at Roma was very good against Sassuolo. Also my goal last season against Juve was good. When I was in Egypt also I scored some good goals.”

And with the national team?

“With the national team I think I scored 21 or 22 goals, not the best but very important for me also.”

Who was your childhood hero?

“In football I had many players. Zidane was Zidane. Ronaldo, Francesco also who played before I was born! I think many players but I would choose these 3.”

What is your favorite sport other than football?

“It’s not a sport but Playstation!”

Are you better at football on Playstation or in real life?

“Playstation - much better!”