It seems that Kop Idol Mohamed Salah has a potential rival when it comes to his unofficial footballing title of “The Egyptian King.”
Liverpool fans gave their free-scoring star the moniker shortly after his arrival at Anfield in 2017, creating a terrace anthem in his honour with the lyrics: Mo Salah, Mo Salah, Mo Salah running down the wing; Salah, Salah, Salah, Salah,; The Egyptian King.
However, it seems that the 28-year-old has an unlikely usurper for his crown.
Following compatriot Mohamed Elneny netting the third goal in a 3-1 win for Arsenal at Greek club Olympiakos in the Europa League on Thursday night, the Gunners’ official account sent out a tweet declaring: “The Egyptian King” complete with Egypt flag and crown emojis.
Despite being born less than a month apart in 1982 and being team-mates at Swiss side Basel in the 2013/14 season, the two Mohameds are rather different players.
Whereas Salah has netted 119 goals in 191 games for the Reds – including 25 so far this season – the latest strike from defensive midfielder Elneny was only his fourth for Arsenal since signing for the Londoners in 2015 and he’s still yet to get off the mark in the Premier League.
Arsenal’s claim certainly sparked plenty of reaction online, with some fans cautioning to “not disrespect the ‘true’ Egyptian King" and one Liverpool follower declaring that Elneny “can clean the king’s boots!”
@jaid28 added: "Salah is the only Egyptian king, what are u guys smoking up there?"
That follows the infamous John Henry tweet that said "What do you think they're smoking over there at Emirates?" back in 2013 when Arsenal were attempting to sign Luis Suarez on the cheap.
@Dardarboomin1 suggested that "King mo will like a word".
And @_helenaconhache posted: "[As] Roy Keane would say: You need to relax...he's had a good week'", accompanied by a trio of laughing emojis.
Liverpool are back in Premier League action on Monday night, away to Wolves.
