Mohamed Salah has delivered a pointed farewell message to Liverpool manager Arne Slot and his teammates, telling them 'you better win next year' ahead of his final appearance for the club on Sunday. The Egyptian star is set to bring the curtain down on an illustrious, record-breaking nine-year spell at Anfield, where he became the club's third-highest goalscorer of all time with 255 goals.
Emotional Send-Off at Training Ground
Salah and fellow departing player Andy Robertson were presented with gifts at the Reds' training ground before their final match against Brentford. Slot addressed the pair, who then gave their own speeches. Salah, fighting back tears, said: 'I don't want to be emotional today, because tomorrow is going to be an emotional day. But, I really appreciate every moment I've had at this club. I've had a great time with all of you, and it's something I will take with me in the future, so thank you very much. Hopefully, I'll see you soon again.'
After Robertson spoke, Salah quickly interjected to add a final message. 'Wait, one more thing I want to say,' he said. 'Being in Liverpool, winning for Liverpool and winning games is the best thing that could happen to you. I think this is the best club in the world when you win something and the worst club in the world when you lose. So you better win next year.'
Pressure on Slot After Disappointing Season
Having led Liverpool to the Premier League title in his first season, Slot has come under pressure following an underwhelming campaign. The Reds suffered quarter-final exits in both the Champions League and FA Cup, while they currently lie fifth in the Premier League heading into the final day. Salah had last week caused controversy with a social media post that appeared to take aim at Slot, calling for the return of Jurgen Klopp's 'heavy metal football'.
In that post, Salah wrote: 'I have witnessed this club go from doubters to believers, and from believers to champions. It took hard work and I always did everything I could to help the club get there. Nothing makes me prouder than that. Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve. I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies.'
Slot responded on Friday, saying he will only remember the goal-scoring machine version of Salah despite their disputes. '100 per cent last season, he said the most special thing I have won was last season's Premier League title. Now I can safely say that was the most special thing I have won in my life so I will remember that and how important he was in that season for the club and as a result also for me with all the goals he scored.'
