Al-Azhar's Grand Imam Ahmed Al-Tayeb (File photo: Reuters)
Grand Imam of Al-Azhar Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb praised Egyptian football's star player Mohamed Salah as a "distinguished example" for young people during a phone call on Tuesday.
Sheikh Ahmed Al-Tayeb advised the Liverpool star, who is a national idol and a source of inspiration in Egypt, to stay humble.
"I advise you to always be humble; it is your way to rise more and more, and to continue to do good, love the poor and help the weak," Al-Tayeb told Salah.
Al-Tayeb praised Salah's good morals and what he described as his "honorable representation of a Muslim who lives in Western societies."
Salah, who called the grand imam, promised Al-Tayeb to honor his advice and to always live up to his expectations and those of his fans and his country.
The 27-year-old helped Liverpool win their sixth European Cup earlier this month as they beat Tottenham 2-0 in the Champions League final.
Egyptians are hinging hopes on the prolific winger in Egypt's Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) campaign, which Egypt is hosting from 21 June - 19 July.
The tournament kick offs on Friday with Egypt hosting Zimbabwe in the opener at Cairo International Stadium.
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