Premier League: “Steven Gerrard prevented me from leaving Liverpool”, Salah
Regarding Salah’s departure from Liverpool, Mohamed Salah revealed that a private exchange with Steven Gerrard weighed on his decision to stay until the end of the season, before leaving Anfield on a free transfer this summer.
At Liverpool, the end of a cycle is becoming clearer for Mohamed Salah. The Egyptian striker has lifted the veil on the behind-the-scenes of his decision to leave the club, revealing the decisive role played by Steven Gerrard. At one point tempted to pack his bags as early as January, amid tensions with his coach Arne Slot, Salah ultimately chose to stay until the end of the season. A U-turn that he partly attributes to a private discussion with the former Anfield idol.
In an interview given to TNT Sports, with Gerrard himself present, the Egyptian revisited this decisive exchange: “People didn’t know you came to my house, we had a good conversation. You voiced your opinion and I really appreciate it.” Now 33, Salah fully embraces his decision to leave on a free transfer at the end of the season. “I’m happy to leave now through this big door,” he says, before underscoring the influence of his interlocutor: “It’s something you told me: leave when you want. I still remember those words. I’m happy about it.”
A decision matured over the months, in a changing sporting and personal context. Everything that’s happening this season makes me think: “No, it’s time to leave.” After several memorable seasons in the Reds’ shirt, Salah is thus set to turn the page, with the feeling of having chosen the right moment—and the right way—to say goodbye to Anfield.
