“Magnus Carlsen Expresses Excitement to Play Chess Against Mo Salah”

**Magnus Carlsen: "I Would Love to "** Magnus Carlsen, the reigning world chess champion, recently expressed his enthusiasm for the possibility of playing chess against football superstar Mo Salah. Currently in London for a tournament boasting a $1 million prize fund, Carlsen, despite his dominance in the chess world, revealed that he has yet to play the perfect game. The chess boom, significantly accelerated by the pandemic and the popularity of the Netflix series "The Queen’s Gambit," has made the game more appealing to a wider audience. This was evident on Thursday afternoon when Carlsen walked through a London café, followed by a group of excited schoolchildren shouting his name and eager to snap selfies with him. The intersection of chess and football has become increasingly prominent, with players like Harry Kane, -Arnold, and Anthony Gordon openly sharing their passion for the game. Chelsea's manager, Enzo Maresca, even penned a 7,000-word thesis on how chess can enhance a football coach's mental training. Last year, Salah revealed his own fascination with chess, admitting to being "addicted" to the game and boasting a rating of around 1400, which is well above average. He acknowledged Carlsen's unmatched skill, stating, "I’m not Magnus, but I’m good. No one has a chance with Magnus. But hopefully, we will play one day." Carlsen's willingness to engage with fans and fellow athletes highlights the growing cultural significance of chess in today's world.