Liverpool superstar and two-time African Footballer of the Year Mohamed Salah has revealed how he used a photograph from the Reds' 2017/18 UEFA Champions League final defeat to Real Madrid as a source of inspiration for his maiden European Cup.
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The Egypt international ended his Champions League final curse on Saturday night, netting a first-half penalty as the Merseysiders defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-0 to secure their sixth European Cup.
The final in Kiev last year came to an abrupt end for Salah, when he was forced off after 30 mins with a shoulder injury following a collision with Real Madrid defender Serio Ramos.
The former Chelsea star, who scored a penalty in the second minute against Spurs, has since lifted the lid on how he used an image from last year's cup final defeat to Zinedine Zidane's side as motivation heading into the encounter at the Wanda Metropolitano Stadium.
"I looked at the picture from last year before the game," he told FourFourTwo.
"I was very disappointed that I got injured and went out after 30 minutes and we lost the game. It was something to motivate me to win.
"I didn't look at the picture for a long time. You can feel what you can beat you so I just looked at it one time and said 'OK, let's go'."
The 26-year-old also insisted the Anfield club had a strong belief that they would clinch the Champions League title this season.
"Yeah, of course. Absolutely. Our job is more mental and you have to believe in yourself before the game," he added.
"You could see the players; we were believing in ourselves in the game.
"I think everything happens for a reason and the reason for us to lose the final last season was to come back and win it again.
"It's great. The final of the Champions League, take a penalty, show the courage and to win the trophy.
"We were a little bit disappointed after the final (last year) and now we are back and have won it again, the sixth time for Liverpool, it is something great.
"I prepared myself before the game. I scored a penalty to send Egypt to the World Cup after 28 years in the last minute, so that (in the final) was easier," he said.
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Salah amassed 52 appearances across all competitions for Liverpool in 2018/19, scoring 27 goals and registering 13 assists.
Do you think Salah now has a shot at being crowned the 2019 Ballon d'Or winner? Have your say in the comments section below.
