Mohamed Salah, the departing winger for Liverpool, has expressed his contentment with his decision to leave the club at the end of the season, ensuring he leaves on his own terms.
The Egyptian international will conclude a successful nine-year stint at Anfield this summer after reaching an agreement to prematurely end the lucrative two-year deal he signed just a year ago.
– Slot relieved Salah will return before end of season
– Inside Kerkez’s debut Liverpool season: Salah bromance, media criticism
This season has been particularly challenging for Salah, especially following a public disagreement with Arne Slot in December, where he claimed the club had “thrown him under the bus” after being benched during a string of poor performances.
Though their relationship was mended after Salah returned from the Africa Cup of Nations, the mutual decision for Salah to part ways with the club—releasing him from his reported £400,000-a-week contract without a transfer fee—indicates underlying tensions remained.
“I believe this is the right decision for me as we navigate the season, and I have peace with it,” Salah stated during an interview with former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard on TNT Sports.
“This season has been tough for everyone… I don’t want to say too much.”
“I feel good about this; everything happening this season makes me realize it’s time to move on, and I am happy with that.”
Gerrard’s visit to Salah during a turbulent period concerning his future provided the Egyptian player with valuable guidance.
Salah looks forward to receiving a proper farewell in his final home match of the season against Brentford. Although he is currently sidelined with an injury, Salah mentioned that he would “probably” return before that match.
“I’m pleased to be leaving on my own terms, just as you advised me—’leave on your own terms,’ and I will always remember those words,” he added.
“I genuinely feel I have plenty to contribute: physically, I feel great and have played many matches this season.
“I haven’t finalized my next steps yet; to be honest, I have several promising options available.”
Salah’s exit, along with that of fellow veteran Andy Robertson, means Liverpool will lose a significant amount of experience. The club’s recent £450 million investment in transfers signals a transition to a new era, but Salah hopes the new arrivals can uphold the standards that earned their former manager Jürgen Klopp the title of having a squad of “mentality monsters.”
“Each player shared the same goal—no shortcuts, no heroes. Everyone understood their role, and if someone faltered, the rest would hold them accountable,” Salah remarked, reflecting on the squad that won the Champions League and the Premier League in consecutive seasons at their peak.
“We experienced that spirit for so long, and I sincerely hope that remains intact despite the influx of new players and changes in team dynamics.”
PA contributed to this report.