LONDON – After Liverpool’s FA Cup final triumph over Chelsea Saturday, Mohamed Salah welcomed Al-Ahly and Egypt star Moamen Zakaria to their dressing room to celebrate their FA Cup win at Wembley.
Zakaria is suffering with incurable Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), commonly known as Motor Neurone Disease, which affects the brain and spinal chords. The former Egyptian international was diagnosed three years ago.
Zakaria is considered one of Egypt’s finest talents, having lifted local Premier League titles on three occasions for giants Zamalek and Al-Ahly as well as appearing 12 times for the national team.
In 2020, however, after almost two years of inactivity, the player was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, a neurodegenerative disease which affects the brain’s motor neurons.
There is no known cure for ALS, and the diagnosis brought Zakaria’s career to an end.
Salah is close to his compatriot from their national team days and paid him tribute following the news, imitating Zakaria’s trademark celebration in a Premier League clash against Leeds United.
Zakaria was invited inside the Reds dressing room to party with Jurgen Klopp’s side. A video posted on Salah’s Instagram showed the 34-year-old being pushed around the dressing room in his wheelchair by Adrian while holding the FA Cup.
It was the end of Zakaria’s career, as he hasn’t played in a professional game since 2018. He also looks to be in need of a wheelchair.
That didn’t stop Liverpool’s players from treating Zakaria like one of their own, allowing him to carry the trophy as Salah videotaped everything. Everyone participating added a touch of sophistication.
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