Steven Gerrard has disclosed that he advised Mohamed Salah not to exit Liverpool “under a cloud,” following the Egyptian’s public dispute with manager Arne Slot. He emphasized that parting ways amicably is in “everyone’s best interests.”
Last week, Salah announced that he would leave Anfield this summer after agreeing to terminate his contract a year early.
The 33-year-old has faced challenges this season and expressed frustration during a post-match interview in December, claiming he was “thrown under the bus” by Slot after being benched amid a stretch of poor performances.
Gerrard, a former captain of Liverpool, believes it’s the right moment for Salah—who has netted 255 goals in 435 matches for the club—to depart at the season’s end.
“I spoke to him after that interview and advised him not to leave in a negative manner,” Gerrard shared on The Overlap podcast.
“I communicate with him occasionally, mostly when I want my son Lio to meet him, so we’re not particularly close. But I took the opportunity to tell him, ‘You’ve dedicated eight or nine years here, you’ve built a legacy, leave on your own terms and in a positive way.’
At that time, he was still feeling emotional about the situation, having been in and out of the team and upset. It would have been unfortunate if he had left in January without a proper farewell.”
Slot commented on Wednesday that Salah will “leave the club as a legend,” having won two Premier League titles and the Champions League since his arrival from Roma in 2017.
Gerrard expressed that he believes Salah will second guess his candid interview, which came after he was left as an unused substitute in a 3-3 draw against Leeds on December 6.
When asked if he was surprised by the news of Salah’s upcoming departure, the 45-year-old responded: “Not at all. I think it’s best for everyone involved. The timing feels right.”
“Clearly, there has been a disagreement with the manager. I can’t say how severe it is, but that interview indicates there was an issue there, which I believe he may come to regret later.”
As Salah nears free agency, he has been linked to the Saudi Pro League or Major League Soccer, though Gerrard suggested he might stay in Europe.
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“Knowing him and the relationship we have, I believe he still sees himself as one of the best players in the world,” the former England midfielder remarked.
“That may be a factor in the recent fallout.”
“He’s likely been troubled by the transition of a manager saying, ‘you’re not starting today,’ when he believes, ‘Wait, I’m still one of the best players in the world.’
“That’s how he thinks; there are good players, top players, and then there are those who are exceptional regarding their mentality. He’s one of those who believes: I’m the best, I’m the best, I’m the best.”