Liverpool talisman Mohamed Salah did not accept the Man of the Match award after scoring a hat-trick against Bournemouth on Saturday, instead handed it to James Milner, who celebrated his 500th appearance in the Premier League.
Salah’s goal record can be probably be counted and measured but his humility knows no boundaries. The 26-year old’s kindness and humble nature is something he is known for off the pitch besides scoring loads of goals. Yesterday, once again, Salah again showed his class. On the field, he netted a stunning hat-trick against Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium and helped his side to reach the summit of the Premier League. After the game, he showed his humility and didn’t accept the Man of the Match award.
The Egyptian king inspired Liverpool to a 4-0 victory over Bournemouth on Saturday to maintain their unbeaten Premier League record. But when offered the award after the match, Salah flat out refused to accept it and gave it to James Milner instead.
Greg Whelan was interviewing the pair after their win when the Sky Sports presenter handed the award to Milner to give to Salah. But the star forward pushed it back and said, “No. 500 games. I have to congratulate him (Milner) for his amazing career. He deserved it today and he’s had an amazing career so I hope we’re going to win something this season together but I will not take it.”
Milner was making his 500th Premier League appearance of his career and did so in the unfamiliar position at right back.
The 33-year-old versatile Englishman has played for several clubs in the top flight, including Manchester City, Leeds, Aston Villa, and Newcastle United. Salah opened the scoring for the Reds. He added a second immediately after half-time, latching onto Firmino’s pass before taking on Nathan Ake and firing into the bottom corner. Salah twice rounded Begovic and toyed with the Bournemouth defense before completing his hat-trick. The win moved Liverpool top of the league ahead of Manchester City, who lost to Chelsea later in the day.
This was quite a brilliant gesture from Mohammed Salah as the Egyptian simply appreciated Milner’s presence in the Premier League. It’s tough to have 500 appearances in a league that’s considered as the toughest domestic football league. Milner deserves credit and appreciation for that feat.
