"The way he dedicated everything for football is insane" - Liverpool star Mohamed Salah shares how Cristiano Ronaldo inspired him when younger

Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah has opened up about how Cristiano Ronaldo inspired him when he was younger. The Egypt international was particularly inspired by the Portuguese sensation's dedication to the game when he started playing.

Ronaldo has achieved a fair bit in his career, having represented top sides, including Real Madrid and Manchester United, among others. Speaking about the 39-year-old striker, who is currently at Al-Nassr, Salah told the Reds' official YouTube channel:

"Cristiano was also the one like when I started playing in Europe more, you see how he dedicated everything for football is insane. The way he looks after himself, you can see everything, his numbers, talking about himself as well."

"But these guys I looked at when I was young, I just wished to play like one game with them or just be like them one day."

Ronaldo is a five-time Ballon d'Or winner whose most impressive spell came while he was at the Santiago Bernabeu. With the Spanish giants, the ex-Juventus attacker made 438 appearances across competitions, bagging 450 goals and 131 assists.

Throughout his career, Ronaldo managed to win the UEFA Champions League title on five occasions, along with three Premier League and two La Liga trophies. The attacker is now playing in the Saudi Pro League for Al-Nassr, a club he joined in January 2023 after falling out with Erik ten Hag at Manchester United.

Meanwhile, Salah himself has been extraordinary for Liverpool so far in his career. To date, he's made 366 appearances across competitions for the Reds, bagging 221 goals and 99 assists. The Egyptian is a Premier League and Champions League winner at Anfield.

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When Cristiano Ronaldo lauded the Liverpool fans for their show of respect in 2022

Cristiano Ronaldo

Cristiano Ronaldo took to Instagram and lauded the Liverpool fans after a game against Manchester United in 2022. The Portuguese icon suffered from the death of his newborn baby at the time, and the Anfield crowd welcomed him with a minute's applause.

Although things didn't go to plan on the pitch, with the Red Devils losing 4-0, Ronaldo seemed touched by the Liverpool fans' message ahead of a big clash. He wrote on Instragram:

"One world… One sport… One global family… Thanks, Anfield. Me and my family will never forget this moment of respect and compassion."

On the night Mohamed Salah bagged a brace, while Luis Diaz and Sadio Mane chipped in a with a goal each. Following this match, Manchester United appointed Erik ten Hag as new boss.