Guest blog'Mo Salah is my favourite player - as someone who is Arabic, I've looked up to him'

I've supported Liverpool from a really young age because of my dad. It was always the household team, and as far back as I can remember the matches were always on at home.

I didn't realise it but supporting Liverpool became a big thing for me and I've followed the club across a few different eras. I still think back to all the moments that were super-challenging to witness as a fan, but it built resilience and loyalty in me that I still carry now.

The SAS era was amazing. Watching Luis Suarez and Daniel Sturridge together was entertaining. Every game carried a sense of magic and unpredictability, like something incredible could happen at any moment. Even though we didn't win the title that year, it's definitely one of my favourite memories as a fan because of the belief that came with it. That season locked in my love for the club on a deeper level.

There were a few tough moments that I remember clearly. One of them was losing to Chelsea in the FA Cup final in 2012. I have a couple family members that support Chelsea and they didn't make it easy for me! When you're a kid those moments hit deeply and stay with you for years. That was one of the first times I realised how much the club meant to me and it stopped being just football and became something way more personal.

Some people don't know this but I was born and raised in Southampton, so I didn't grow up around Liverpool or its culture directly, but that never changed my connection to the club. Whenever I had the chance, I went to St Mary's to watch Liverpool play away from home. Although I've never been to Anfield – which is still a huge dream of mine – I'd love to go to a game just to hear You'll Never Walk Alone in person. I know it would stay with me forever.

Growing up, my family couldn't always afford the newest kits, but I remember my mum going on eBay and finding me an iconic Carlsberg shirt. Even now when I play football, I still wear some of the old vintage Liverpool shirts I have. They remind me of those early memories and keep me connected to the club in some ways.

As a kid I played lots of sports and always had a competitive mindset. I think following the club has helped reinstate that into my mind as I've got older. Watching players like Steven Gerrard and Jamie Carragher growing up and seeing their hunger and leadership really stuck with me. Even when we weren't the best team, we always had heart, and that was something I respected deeply. That's a mentality I put into my musical journey and want to inspire others from my generation and the next generation in the process.

Right now, I feel excited about the future of the team. The squad seems to be growing together and I'm also enjoying watching some of the new players – especially Florian Wirtz, who has been very impressive.

Mo Salah has been my favourite player for years. It's not just his ability and consistency, but what he represents. As someone who is also Arabic, I've always looked up to him and felt inspired by his journey and the way he carries himself. He's a legend in every sense.

Outside of football, I'm currently working on a new mixtape coming out this summer. I've already released two singles to start the year strongly, and I'm excited for people to hear the full project.