Mohamed Salah has arrived in the Ivory Coast in anticipation of the commencement of the Africa Cup of Nations this month.
A video captures the Liverpool superstar receiving a warm welcome from the enthusiastic public.
Liverpool's No. 11 is poised for a temporary hiatus from club football as he vies for his maiden international title with Egypt. Although the 31-year-old played a crucial role in guiding his nation to their first World Cup appearance in 28 years during the 2018 tournament in Russia, he has yet to secure silverware for the Pharaohs.
While Egypt hold the record for the most successful AFCON side with seven previous victories, Salah's ascent to prominence occurred just after his country's period of continental dominance, during which they clinched three consecutive titles from 2006 to 2010.
Salah has been a runner-up twice at AFCON, most recently losing the 2022 final on penalties to his then-Liverpool teammate Sadio Mane and Senegal.
In the current tournament, with Salah in exceptional form, Egypt is considered among the frontrunners for the crown, although Morocco and Senegal are generally regarded as the bookies' favourites.
The Liverpool winger seems to be carrying his club form to Africa, playing a pivotal role in both goals as Egypt defeated Tanzania 2-0 in their solitary pre-tournament warm-up game last week.
The Egypt squad landed in the Ivory Coast earlier this week, where the tournament will take place, and a video posted by the Egyptian FA showcases the reception Salah has been receiving in the country, captioned 'Africa has one star.'
Egypt initiates their campaign this Sunday, facing Mozambique in the first match of Group B. Subsequently, Salah and his teammates will compete against Ghana (Thursday, 18 Jan) and Cape Verde (Monday, 22 Jan).
The number of games Salah will miss for Liverpool depends on Egypt's progress in the competition beyond the group stage. However, it is evident that the Reds will feel the absence of their leading scorer this season, as Salah currently tops both the Premier League's goals (14) and assists charts (8).
Addressing Salah's departure, Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp jokingly remarked: "I said if I wish them good luck it would be a lie. No, but I do [wish them luck] obviously.
"From a personal point of view, I would be happy if they go out in the group stages but it's probably not possible. So it's fine and they can go and win it as well. Good luck, see you and come back healthy.
"I am pretty positive we will find a way [to replace them] but we have to show that on the pitch," he added.