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Sunni Islam's foremost cleric has hailed Egyptian footballer Mohamed Salah as an excellent role model for young people.

Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayeb praised Liverpool's superstar during a phone conversation between the two ahead of the African Cup, .

"I advise you to always remain modest because it's your path towards moving higher and higher," the Grand Imam of al-Azhar Mosque said.

"Continue to do good deeds, love the poor and help the weak," he added.

Salah has been praised for promoting a positive image of Muslims in Britain and further afield.

This year, he told fans he would be observing Ramadan traditions, not only by stepping up his charity work, but by observing the dawn to dusk fast.

The footballer has funded many charitable projects in his hometown in the Nile Delta, such as helping build schools a water treatment plant, and aiding impoverished families with monthly allowances.

He has also helped raise awareness in a drug addiction campaign.

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