An Egypt legend has now insisted that Liverpool star Mohamed Salah should not play for the national team again after his controversial return to England in the middle of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
On Sunday night, the Pharaohs were knocked out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations after losing 8-7 to DR Congo on penalties as the two sides could not be separated after extra-time, with the scores level at 1-1.
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Prior to exiting the tournament, however, Salah picked up a hamstring injury, with Liverpool later announcing that the forward would be returning to England to receive medical treatment, with some of his compatriots infuriated by the decision.
It appears the anger is still lingering within the hearts of some of the 31-year-old's countrymen.
Former Egypt international Ahmed Hossam, better known "Mido", has now claimed that the side "lost their character" following the attacker's departure for Merseyside in the middle of the continental competition.
"We did not deserve to advance against Congo, and we should not be sad, as it is a tournament to be forgotten," Mido said on an Egyptian television programme, via Vetogate.
"Mozambique gave us qualification from the group stage, and it is not normal to concede seven goals during four matches in the Nations Cup.
"The Egyptian national team is a team with a great history, and we must deal with Mohamed Salah in our history.
"You have all respect for your request to go to Liverpool to receive treatment, but there is no way for you to return again to the ranks of the national team, and we lost our character as a national team after Salah's position."
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AFCON 2023 will certainly be a tournament the Egyptians will want to forget after the Pharaohs were unable to pick up a single victory throughout the campaign, recording three draws before reaching the round of 16, where they were forced to exit the competition.
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