Rio Ngumoha has revealed the advice Mohamed Salah gave him as the Egyptian prepares to leave his Liverpool legacy behind. Salah, who will depart Anfield after nine years, left him with a simple but powerful message that talent alone isn't enough.
"One time after training, he just told me the top, top players, with your ability, they also get goals and assists," he told Sky Sports. "He's broken so many records, so for him to say he knows I’m a good player, but that to reach the next level I need to add goals and assists."
Ngumoha spent the past few months training and playing alongside the Liverpool icon - an experience the 17‑year‑old says he will treasure for years. Recalling the moment, Ngumoha added: "I was excited I think, because I watched them play Forest last season at home and then I got the opportunity to train with them a couple of weeks.
"Seeing him, you know, he's achieved everything in football, he's very friendly as well. Sometimes people forget that they're just like people as well.
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"Obviously they have all the fame and all but they're just nice people and you learn a lot from them."
And what a season he is having with the first team.
Ngumoha has taken valuable lessons from Salah
Often coming off the bench, Ngumoha has made a real impact - his confidence in possession and his pace have both highlighted his ability as he takes his first steps into senior football.
He will certainly take Salah's advice with him, admitting the Egyptian leader will be a huge loss for the club.
"I think we was on international break, so then when he said that [announce he was leaving], I feel like for me, he's a big role model and seeing him leave, not just for me but like, for the players and the club as well, it's really big because he's a legend of the club," Ngumoha explained.
"It will be a big loss."
Salah announced he would be departing at the end of the season, having won two Premier League titles, the 2019 Champions League and Club World Cup, the 2022 FA Cup and two Carabao Cups in 2022 and 2024.
