'Mohamed Salah gave us hope in divisive times'

Mohamed Salah - seen here prostrating in prayer - has helped raise Liverpool's profile across the world [Reuters] "I don't want to overstate Mohamed Salah's influence but he gives hope at this time, which feels politically divisive," says Dr Leon Moosavi, a sociology lecturer at the University of Liverpool. The Egyptian striker's recent announcement that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season sparked an array of reactions - from young fans in tears to pragmatic shrugs as the 33-year-old faces the winter of his career at the club. As one of the world's best-known footballers and a prominent Arab, Salah's impact has "transcended" boundaries, Dr Moosavi – who supports Manchester City - says.

The player rose to global fame after moving to Liverpool in 2017 and following his goals and celebrations that featured a prostration in prayer on the pitch. Salah is not the first Muslim to play in the Premier League but Dr Moosavi says that - alongside his scoring success - he stood out for a "combination of three factors". "The first was his name Mohamed, the second was the prostration and third was that his wife wears the hijab [Islamic headscarf].

" Ibrahim Syed (centre with his sons) has described Salah as a "role model" [Ibrahim Syed] The numbers of Muslim fans attending Anfield matches rose as perceptions shifted, with locals saying Salah's impact made community relations "easier". About 8,000 residents in Liverpool are of Arab origin and Muslims make up about 5% of the city's population, according to the 2021 census. Ibrahim Syed, a Reds fan who is a co-ordinator at the Liverpool Region Mosque Network, says Salah "normalised" religious expression.

"There's a lot of suspicion and negativity about Muslims and the Islamic faith. There's also a public debate at the moment about whether Islam fits within British society. "So in terms of community cohesion, he's presented a different narrative.