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Salah was shocked by the fans’ hostile reaction towards the 26-year-old right-back, who has spent two decades at the club and significantly contributed to its success.
Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold. (X)
Liverpool’s star footballer, Mohamed Salah, has expressed disappointment with sections of the crowd at Anfield booing for long-time teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold during Sunday’s draw with Arsenal. For the first time since declaring his intention to leave Liverpool at the end of the current season, the England defender was on the field.
The hostile reception took many by surprise, including Salah, who in an interview voiced his displeasure. Salah, speaking to Sky Sports, said he was shocked the fans would treat the 26-year-old right-back with such hostility even though he has spent two decades at the club and significantly contributed to its success.
Salah stated to the BBC that he did not expect this reaction from the Liverpool fans. The player added that the club has always held in high esteem those who came there, irrespective of how long they had been with them in the team. He further said he hopes they change in the next game.
Trent, who was a Liverpool academy player, made his senior debut in 2016 and has since become one of their most decorated homegrown players. He has won the Premier League twice in addition to Champions League, FA Cup, and League Cup. However, his impending departure has divided fans.
Salah who developed a strong bond with Alexander-Arnold over the years shared an emotional anecdote. In an interview, he revealed he asked Trent to not make him eye-contact at latter’s farewell. As he prepares to depart the team, Salah noted that Trent deserves the finest send-off.
Salah responded to Alexander-Arnold’s wish for a fresh challenge by asking what more the 26-year-old right back, who has won two league titles, could do for Liverpool.
While Alexander-Arnold is getting ready to leave, Salah recently extended his contract with Liverpool. He signed a new two-year contract. Salah said he was acutely positive at the start of the season that he would stay with Liverpool.
The star player of the club was referring to their earlier policy on players aged over 30 when it was owned by American firm—Fenway Sports Group. Salah admitted that he thought the club was challenging him to check if he could still perform as well.
In the meantime, new Liverpool manager Arne Slot spoke about another player’s future — Federico Chiesa. The Italian winger, signed from Juventus, has struggled with fitness and played only five league games this season.
When asked if Chiesa had a future with Liverpool, Slot responded saying the player did. The coach further added that the player will need proper pre-season and then gradually work himself up since he is competing with Mo Salah. Slot added he believed the Italian winger can also play on the left.
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United Kingdom (UK)
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