Mohamed Salah has addressed the treatment of Trent Alexander-Arnold by Liverpool supporters following the full-back’s booing during the club’s 2-2 draw against Arsenal on Sunday.
The English player recently declared his intention to depart from the Reds this summer upon the expiration of his contract, subsequently signing with Real Madrid on a free transfer.
This announcement has incited anger among Liverpool fans, who feel betrayed by the departure of a player who dedicated his entire career to the club and achieved numerous accolades.
Consequently, they expressed their discontent when he was substituted into the match against the Gunners, responding with boos. In a recent interview with Gary Neville, Salah has shared his perspective on the matter.
If anyone understands what it means to be a beloved Liverpool hero like Alexander-Arnold, it’s Salah.
The Egyptian moved to Anfield from AS Roma in 2017 and quickly became an icon at Anfield.
His form for the Reds has seen them win a handful of trophies, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy.
He did it all alongside Alexander-Arnold and while the full-back leaving Merseyside is a move that will leave Salah unhappy, he still doesn’t think the Englishman deserved to be booed by his own fans and said so in a sit-down interview with Neville for Sky Sports.
Speaking to the former Manchester United man about the situation, Salah said:”I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him.
I think he didn’t deserve it at the time, he deserved the fans to treat him the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans.
“I was surprised because this is not how we act as Liverpool fans.
We shouldn’t act this way with anyone who always appreciates the people, who came here even for six months. Imagine someone who gives you his all for 20 years.
It’s shouldn’t be like this. I hope that will change next game, against Brighton or in the last game of the season, because he deserves the farewell.
“The comments will no doubt leave some Liverpool fans unhappy, but Salah has formed a bond with Alexander-Arnold over the years that will be hard to replace. When talking about the right-back’s goodbye, he said:
“I told him yesterday don’t give me eye contact in your farewell. I really love him. I think he deserves the best farewell leaving the club.
He has done a lot for the city and done a lot for the club and he’s one of probably the best players in the club’s history. He gave it all.
“Salah understood Alexander-Arnold’s reasons for leaving Anfield too.
He admitted the two had spoken about his decision and he saw where the 26-year-old was coming from.
“I think he needed a new challenge. He spoke to me about it.
It’s his decision for sure. He’s 25, 26 years old and won it all twice or three times.
What more can he have done? He just needs to go, change and challenge himself.
People don’t know about it much but he spent 20 years in the club.
“It’s so tough mentally for someone to be 20 years in a club.
Yeah I do love the place but going every day to the same place for 20 years, mentally you could get depressed. I really wish him the best. I’ll always be in contact with him.”