Steven Gerrard has publicly expressed his support for Mohamed Salah amid the player’s recent upheaval at Liverpool. Salah, who announced he will leave Anfield this summer, faced an alarming fallout with manager Arne Slot. Gerrard advised Salah not to exit on bad terms.
Mohamed Salah’s Decision to Leave Liverpool
Last week, Salah confirmed his departure after agreeing to terminate his contract a year early. The 33-year-old forward has experienced a challenging season. During a post-match interview in December, he claimed he felt “thrown under the bus” by Slot after being benched in light of the team’s poor performance.
Gerrard’s Advice
Gerrard, a former Liverpool captain, emphasized the significance of leaving the club positively. He stated, “Don’t do what you’ve done and go under a cloud.” He highlighted Salah’s achievements and legacy at Liverpool, urging him to exit the club on his own terms.
Salah’s Legacy at Liverpool
- Salah has scored 255 goals in 435 appearances for Liverpool.
- He ranks third among Liverpool’s all-time leading scorers.
- Since joining the club in 2017, he has won two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Gerrard recalled their communication around the tumultuous moments and noted the emotional toll on Salah due to his inconsistency in the starting lineup. He expressed that leaving without a proper farewell would be a disservice to Salah’s legacy.
Implications of Salah’s Departure
Slot assured that Salah would “leave the club a legend.” However, Gerrard is not shocked by the upcoming transition, stating, “I think it’s in everyone’s best interests now.” He acknowledged the existing tensions between Salah and the manager, suggesting Salah might later regret his candid interview.
Future Prospects for Mohamed Salah
As Salah approaches free agency, he has been linked with potential moves to the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer (MLS). Nonetheless, Gerrard believes the forward might still opt to remain in Europe.
Gerrard reflected on Salah’s mindset and ambition, indicating that a strong competitive spirit contributes to the recent fallout. He underscored Salah’s belief in his status as one of the world’s best players, reiterating that elite athletes often possess formidable mentalities.
