JAKARTA - Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has hinted that he may retire from the Egypt national team after failing to secure a ticket to the 2022 World Cup finals in Qatar.

Salah missed a penalty in the shootout on Wednesday (30/3) as Egypt drew 1-1 on aggregate in the second leg of their Africa World Cup qualifier.

Now, at 29 years old, Salah seems to have doubts about whether to return to duty for his country.

He was caught on camera in the Egyptian dressing room talking candidly with his team-mates.

"I told the players before the second (leg) match that I am proud to play with them and they are one of the best I have ever played with," he explained, quoted by Goal on Thursday.

“I played for some time with the previous generation, with Wael Gomaa and Mohamed Abu Trika, then Abdullah Al-Saeed and his generation, but I am happy with the current generation.

"I'm proud to play with you guys and it's an honor for me, and what happened no one can interfere with because for the second time we have to go to penalties (after the Africa Cup of Nations final)."

"There's not much I can say, but it's an honor to play with you guys, whether I'll be in the national team after that or not."

Egyptian Sports Minister Ashraf Sobhi immediately interrupted Salah's words and said: "You will be here (Egypt national team)."

The match against Senegal was marred by controversy, with Egypt asking for a replay, citing racial abuse from opposing supporters.

Salah's face was even the target of laser attacks from Senegal fans. As a result, Salah's penalty shot over the bar and he had to be protected by security staff as he left the pitch after the match.