Mohamed Salah admits he knew more than four years ago he wanted to become Liverpool's record Premier League goalscorer - as he outlined the reasons behind a season of struggle for the Reds.
Salah's strike in the 2-0 home win over Wolverhampton Wanderers in midweek moved him one behind sixth-placed Robbie Fowler in the club's all-time league goalscorers list.
In the Premier League alone, Fowler is Liverpool's top scorer after notching 128 times in 266 appearances, with Salah having reached a tally of 127 in 205 outings.
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And with the Reds on Sunday afternoon entertaining Manchester United - who along with neighbours City are Salah's favourite opponents after 10 goals in 11 appearances - the Egyptian knows he is close to a landmark he has long been eyeing.
"I'm aware of the records, this one especially," said the 30-year-old. "For me it's really special. When I came, after my first season I had like 31 goals and I was like, 'I want to be the top scorer for Liverpool in the Premier League'. It's something I am really chasing.
"I have some good records at Liverpool. To be fair, as long as we achieve something with the team that's the most important thing for me. I'm so happy and proud to break records and win trophies in a team like Liverpool. I don't want to be in a smaller team and I'm the only one breaking records and that's it."
Salah added: "It would be nice to have the record in this big game especially against United. We know the relationship between United and Liverpool. Of course there is extra motivation but whoever scores (against United) I'm happy with it. Whenever the record comes I'll be happy, but this game we just need to win because we want to be closer to the top four.
"It's big because United at the moment are on a good run, winning almost every game and have a good squad and good players and the team has stability and confidence. We just need to play our game and try to enjoy and see."
Liverpool go into the blockbusting showdown hoping to bolster their hopes of Champions League qualification after a run of 10 points from 12 dragged them back into contention after a poor start to the calendar year.
The Reds were dumped out early from both the League Cup and FA Cup as holders and face a difficult task to stay in the Champions League having last week lost 5-2 at home to Real Madrid in the first leg of their round of 16 tie. And, for Salah, there are a number of reasons behind Jurgen Klopp's side failing to live up to pre-season expectations.
"In my opinion, I don't want to give excuses but we had a few injuries in the beginning and also we have a front three which changed a lot," said the Egyptian. "We also have new players and new players need time to adapt to our system. I remember when people wouldn't know that for me and Bobby (Firmino) and Sadio (Mane), we take time to understand how we defend. That takes us time. We couldn't do the pressing right after the first season. We took time to do it properly.
"Is it coming now? Hopefully. I don't want to say now is that time, but when we train together and I see the players, everybody wants to learn and wants to understand what the manager wants from them, we just go for it. It just takes time and the players are now back from injuries more and we have more stability in the team, hopefully we can just keep winning."
Salah is in his sixth season at Liverpool and believes he has taken on the extra responsibility of being one of the older heads in the squad.
"I think so," he said to Sky Sports. "I'm 30 so you have around you some young players who you need to be on their side when they need you, when they want to speak, open up and want advice. It puts more responsibility on your shoulders but that's what I love and that's what I'm doing."
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