Real Madrid forward Rodrygo has revealed how Mohamed Salah served as motivation for the European champions ahead of their Champions League final victory over Liverpool.
Madrid overcame Liverpool 1-0 at the Stade de France in Paris last month to win the Champions League for a record-extending 14th time, with Vinicius Jr scoring the game’s only goal.
Salah had stated in the build-up to the game that he wanted “vengeance” for Liverpool’s 3-1 loss to Real Madrid in the 2018 Champions League final in Kiev, when he was forced out with an injury after being dragged to the ground by Sergio Ramos.
Madrid utilized those comments as incentive in training as they prepared for this year’s final in Paris, according to Rodrygo.
“Sometimes you just want to win so you can make fun of a guy who provokes,” Rodrygo said on the Podpah podcast, according to Brasil Edition.
“We used to say in training, ‘Come Salah, come Salah…’ “We have to win to then make fun of Salah,” we thought to ourselves.
Rodrygo also said that Luka Modric rubbed salt in Salah’s wounds following Liverpool’s victory last month.
“When the game was over, the Real Madrid players made a runner,” Rodrygo continued.
“Liverpool were passing by, Salah looked dejected and had his head down.”
“Modric smiled to Salah and said, ‘Thank you, Salah; try again next time.’ “I burst out laughing.”
Salah was named PFA Player of the Year after another outstanding season for Liverpool, scoring 31 goals in 51 games across all competitions.
However, the 30-year-old says he would gladly sacrifice that individual honor for another chance to play in Madrid.
Salah added, “Being recognized by fans and sports journalists in the same season is something amazing that I will never forget.”
“However, I would forego all of those personal accolades in exchange for a chance to relive the final, but that is not how football works.”
