Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah has opted out of the opportunity to represent Egypt in the Olympics, marking an early victory for new Reds boss Arne Slot.
Egypt’s Olympic coach Rugero Micali had been optimistic about convincing Salah to participate in Paris as one of the three over-age players permitted in each squad. However, this would have meant Salah missing a significant portion of Liverpool’s pre-season, including their US tour, leading him to decline the offer.
Salah, now 32 and entering the final year of his contract with Liverpool, is set to return for the start of pre-season training this weekend and will fully participate in the club’s American tour.
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The Reds are scheduled to play against Real Betis in Pittsburgh on July 27, Arsenal in Philadelphia on July 31, and Manchester United in South Carolina on August 3.
Micali seemed aware that he was facing an uphill battle when expressing his hope that Salah would join Egypt’s Olympic squad. Prior to Salah’s decision, Micali stated: “We have 10 names under consideration and we will choose three players from them.
“We’re still awaiting the outcome of communication with Salah and his club Liverpool through the Egyptian Football Association. We definitely want him with us. I wish Salah could play with us at the Olympics. It’s always good for a player to be involved, but we don’t interfere in players’ clubs about whether or not they’re in the squad.”