Mohamed Salah has defended Mohamed Salah over his decision to leave Liverpool – while also hitting out at fans for booing the defender.
The full-back will leave Anfield at the end of the season after 21 years at the club.
Salah has defended Alexander-Arnold’s decision to seek a ‘new challenge’REX AFPThe Liverpool defender was booed by supporters as he came on against Arsenal[/caption]Alexander-Arnold officially announced his exit last week, with his contract expiring in the summer.
He is expected to join Real Madrid on a five-year deal once he becomes a free agent.
The England international made his first appearance since confirming his departure against Arsenal last Sunday.
As he made his way onto the pitch as a second half substitute, some sections of the Anfield crowd could be heard booing.
Their hostile reception continued for Alexander-Arnold’s first few touches of the ball after he replaced Conor Bradley.
Salah has now criticised the supporters who booed his teammate as he responded to the incident.
The Egyptian, who recently signed a new deal, told Sky Sports: “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.”
Asked if the boos saddened him, the winger added: “Absolutely. 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.
Alexander-Arnold has confirmed he will leave Anfield when his contract expiresGetty Salah and Virgil van Dijk have both extended their deals through to the summer of 2027Getty“Imagine someone who gives you his all for 20 years. It 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.”
Salah and captain Virgil van Dijk had also been in the final year of their contracts this season.
Both players recently penned new two-year deals through to the summer of 2027, though.
Despite that, Salah can understand the reasoning behind Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave the club.
The 32-year-old admitted: “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.
“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.
“It’s his decision. I did not try to convince him to stay because I know 20 years in a club is not easy. It’s so tough. People think it’s easy to make a decision and stay. It’s not.
“I want him in my team always. Somebody like him, you want him in your team. But also I understand, being in the same place for 20 years is not easy.”
Salah and Alexander-Arnold have appeared together 318 times for LiverpoolGettySince graduating from Liverpool’s academy, Alexander Arnold has made 353 appearances for the club, scoring 23 goals and adding 92 assists.
Of those appearances, 318 have been alongside Salah, more than any other team-mate.
Meanwhile, this season’s Premier League title is the ninth trophy of his Anfield career.
Alexander-Arnold will lift the title with his teammates after his final home match for the club against Crystal Palace on May 25.
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