Wayne Rooney has launched a scathing attack on Mo Salah, branding the Liverpool forward 'selfish' and urging manager Arne Slot to deny him a farewell appearance in the club's final home game of the season. Salah, 33, is set to leave Liverpool after nine years, but his relationship with Slot has soured dramatically.
Salah's Parting Shot
Following Liverpool's 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa on Friday, Salah posted a controversial message on social media, calling for the team to return to 'heavy metal football' — a style synonymous with former manager Jurgen Klopp. The post was widely interpreted as a dig at Slot's more controlled approach and was liked by several teammates.
Rooney, speaking on his podcast, did not hold back. 'I find it sad at the end of what he's done and what he's achieved at Liverpool. It's not the point for him to come out and aim another dig at Slot,' he said. 'He wants to play heavy metal football, so he's basically saying he wants Jurgen Klopp football. Now I don't think Mo Salah can cope with that type of football anymore. I think his legs have gone to play at that high tempo and high intensity.'
Rooney's Advice to Slot
The Manchester United legend suggested Slot should take a firm stance. 'If I was Arne Slot, I'd have him nowhere near the stadium in the last game. I had it with Alex Ferguson; I had a disagreement and fall out and at Alex Ferguson's last game at Old Trafford, he left me out of the squad for that reason.'
Rooney accused Salah of undermining Slot and creating division. 'He's almost just dropped the grenade and said he doesn't trust and believe in Arne Slot and almost thrown his team-mates who are going to be there next season and let them have to deal with that as well.'
Salah has endured a difficult campaign, scoring just 12 goals in 40 appearances and losing his status as an automatic starter. Rooney believes the post was an attempt to 'vindicate himself' after a poor season. 'I think he's been very selfish in what he's done on the two occasions. It's a shame and fans will be on his side, but when you look deeper into it, Mo Salah knows exactly what he's doing.'
Rooney concluded: 'That's your manager. You can't publicly disrespect him twice the way he has and get away with it. And that's where if I was Arne Slot, I'd have to pull rank and just say, 'listen, you're not coming anywhere near the place on Sunday, whether you like it or not'. I really doubt he will do it, but I think he should.'
