FC Porto vs Liverpool: Mohamed Salah calls on ‘our culture’ to treat women better

The Egyptian insists it is ‘not optional’ and says he feels like a son to the Middle East after his recent rise

Mohamed Salah insists men in Egypt and across the Middle East must treat women with more respect.

Salah has reflected on his stardom in the region, admitting it “feels like I’m their son.”

The Liverpool star spoke candidly about women’s equality, calling for a shift in culture.

“We need to change the way we treat women in our culture,” Salah told TIME. “It’s not optional.”

“I support the woman more than I did before, because I feel like she deserves more than what they give her now, at the moment.”

The Reds forward enjoys spending time with his five-year-old daughter away from the pitch, with his rise not changing his lifestyle.

“I just live my life normal,” he said. “Most of the time I stay at home, I don’t like to go out.”

Mohamed Salah has spoken out about equality (AP)

Salah is in action on Wednesday night as Jurgen Klopp’s side bid to defend a 2-0 lead in the second leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Porto.

Should they succeed at the Dragao, a semi-final against Barcelona awaits, after Lionel Messi inspired the Spanish champions past Manchester United in the quarter-final.