Mohamed Salah Urges Liverpool Fans to Show Respect to Trent Alexander-Arnold
In a heartfelt plea to Liverpool supporters, star forward Mohamed Salah has called for fans to refrain from booing his teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold during the club’s remaining matches this season. Salah insists that the defender, who is set to leave Anfield this summer, deserves a proper farewell.
Last weekend, Alexander-Arnold faced a tough crowd when he was jeered by some fans after coming off the bench in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal. This reaction came after he had announced his intention to leave the club at the end of the season.
The 26-year-old right-back is expected to join Real Madrid on a free transfer this summer. Sources have informed ESPN that the Spanish giants want him to be part of their squad in time for the Club World Cup.
Despite the impending departure, Salah believes that Alexander-Arnold should not be criticized for seeking new challenges beyond Merseyside. When asked about his feelings regarding the fans’ reaction against Arsenal, Salah expressed his surprise and disappointment.
“Absolutely. I was surprised because it is not how we react as Liverpool fans,” Salah told Sky Sports. “We shouldn’t react this way with anyone. We always appreciate the people who came here, even if it was for six months.”
He continued, “Imagine someone who gave his all for 20 years. It shouldn’t be like this and I hope it will change in the next game — Brighton or the last game of the season — because he deserves a farewell.”
Salah himself has been the subject of speculation regarding his future, but the 32-year-old recently signed a two-year contract extension. The Egypt international understands why Alexander-Arnold has chosen to leave the club he has been with since he was six years old.
“It is his decision,” Salah said. “I know 20 years at the club is so tough. People think it is easy to make a decision and just stay. No, it’s not. I didn’t want to speak to him much because I want him in my team, but I understand.”
Salah added, “[I will miss him] a lot. I told him yesterday do not give me eye contact in your farewell because I really love him.”
He emphasized the importance of a proper send-off for Alexander-Arnold, saying, “He deserves the best farewell leaving the club. He has done a lot for the city and a lot for the club. He was probably [one of] the best players in the club’s history and he needed a new challenge. He spoke to me about it. It is his decision, for sure.”
Salah also highlighted Alexander-Arnold’s achievements, noting, “He is 26 years old and a league title winner twice. What more could he have done? He needs to change and challenge himself. People do not know about it much, but he is 20 years in the club.”
He continued, “It is so tough mentally for someone to be 20 years in a club. It is the place you love, yes. I love the place. But going every day to the same place, mentally you could be depressed.”
In closing, Salah expressed his best wishes for his teammate, saying, “I really wish him the best. I will always be in contact with him. The fans have been harsh with him. He didn’t deserve that because he gave it all to the fans.”
Information from ESPN’s Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez contributed to this report
Originally Written by: Beth Lindop
