Thiago Alcantara Hails Departing Liverpool Icons Salah and Robertson
Former Liverpool midfielder Thiago Alcantara has expressed high praise for departing Reds duo Mohamed Salah and Andy Robertson, labeling them as "legends of the club" ahead of their summer exits. Thiago, who left Anfield when his contract expired at the end of the 2023/24 season, shared his admiration in an interview with Sky Sports News.
Thiago's Reflections on Liverpool Stint and Retirement
Thiago Alcantara, the former Spain international, confirmed his retirement from professional football in July 2025 before joining Hansi Flick's backroom team at Barcelona as an assistant coach in September of that year. His time at Liverpool was marred by injuries, limiting him to just a brief five-minute cameo in his final season with the club.
Despite these challenges, Thiago managed to lift the FA Cup and League Cup alongside Salah and Robertson under manager Jurgen Klopp. Reflecting on his career end, Thiago admitted, "After such a long struggle to become a footballer – then to become the footballer I wanted to be – the hardest step was accepting that it was coming to an end."
He added, "It wasn't difficult because of what would come next. But because I had to let go of something I was in love with, due to circumstances beyond my control."
Praise for Salah and Robertson's Legacy
Speaking ahead of the Laureus Sports Awards in Madrid, Thiago was effusive in his admiration for both players. He stated, "They are legends of the club, they're amazing football players. It doesn't matter where they go. They will still be amazing football players."
When asked about Salah's troubled final season at Liverpool, Thiago responded, "I haven't been there, so I couldn't have an opinion about it, but Mo deserves the best." This comment highlights Thiago's supportive stance towards his former teammate amid a difficult period.
Thiago's Recent Return to Anfield
Thiago recently made a nostalgic return to Anfield, participating in a Liverpool Legends game alongside icons like John Aldridge, Steven Gerrard, and Jurgen Klopp. He described the experience as "amazing," noting, "Two things got together – that is a full Anfield and playing with this legend [Gerrard]. It was an unbelievable moment and I will keep it with me for sure."
He even joked about scoring a goal during the match, saying, "When I scored, Stevie came and I told him it was the first sprinting I did since I arrived in Liverpool! Why not?! In that moment we just react, we are comfortable in the box. It's nice to score."
As Salah and Robertson prepare to bid farewell to Liverpool this summer, Thiago's words serve as a heartfelt tribute to their contributions and enduring legacy at the club.
