Mohamed Salah says his new goal celebration which has become instantly iconic – arms wide, deadpan stare – was a spur-of-the-moment reaction to his crucial goal in the first leg of Liverpool‘s Champions League quarterfinal against Manchester City.

“It happened spontaneously against Manchester City. It wasn’t prepared,” the 25-year-old said in an exclusive interview with Egyptian network ON Ent.

“Maybe the goal was very good for me, that’s why I ran to the fans and I celebrated in that way.

“Afterwards, I found it a good way and everyone liked it. I said OK, it is better than sliding on my knees.

“Everyone criticises sliding on knees anyway.”