Ahmed Kamel – Egypt Daily News
Egyptian star Mohamed Salah fought back tears as he played his final match for Liverpool, ending a remarkable nine-year spell that delivered goals, trophies and a lasting legacy.
Mohamed Salah’s extraordinary Liverpool career came to an emotional end on Sunday as the Egyptian forward said goodbye to Anfield after nine unforgettable years that helped return the club to the summit of English and European football. The 33-year-old made his final appearance in Liverpool’s colors during a 1-1 draw against Brentford on the final day of the Premier League season, bringing the curtain down on one of the most successful individual careers in the club’s modern history.
Salah struggled to contain his emotions after the final whistle, admitting that leaving Liverpool had been one of the hardest moments of his career. “I think I cried more than in my whole life,” he said after the match. “I’m not really an emotional guy.” The Egyptian star shared the occasion with longtime teammate Andy Robertson, who also played his final match for the club after arriving alongside Salah in 2017.
Looking back on their journey together, Salah reflected on how much the squad had achieved over the past decade. “We lived our youth here, sharing everything from the beginning to the end,” he said. “We put this club back where it belongs.”
When Salah joined Liverpool from Roma in the summer of 2017, few could have imagined the impact he would make. Over nine seasons, he became one of the greatest players in the club’s history, scoring 257 goals in all competitions and moving into third place on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt. His goals, consistency and leadership played a central role in one of the most successful eras Anfield has witnessed in recent decades.
During his time on Merseyside, Salah helped Liverpool win every major trophy available, including the Champions League and two Premier League titles. He became one of the most feared forwards in world football and one of the most influential Arab athletes of his generation, earning admiration far beyond England.
His departure follows a difficult final season in which questions about his future dominated headlines. Salah revealed late last year that his relationship with Liverpool manager Arne Slot had deteriorated, while comments made throughout the season fueled speculation that his time at the club was nearing its conclusion. Liverpool eventually confirmed in March that the Egyptian would leave at the end of the campaign.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding his future, Salah remained a fan favorite until the very end. Anfield paid tribute to both him and Robertson before kickoff, with supporters displaying banners celebrating their achievements and chanting their names throughout the match. One banner described Salah as Liverpool’s king, while another thanked both departing stars for their contribution to the club’s revival.
Although Liverpool’s campaign fell short of title expectations, the draw against Brentford secured fifth place in the Premier League and qualification for next season’s Champions League. It provided a fitting stage for supporters to say farewell to a player who has become one of the defining figures of an era.
Salah said he leaves with no regrets about what he achieved during his time at Liverpool. “It’s tricky to leave Liverpool. It’s life,” he said. “I look back and wonder if I would have wanted more than I achieved. Not really. We won it all.”
The Egyptian forward also made clear that the bond he built with Liverpool supporters will remain with him long after he leaves England. “We see the love from the fans and this is the most important thing for me,” he said. “I will be far away from here. I will be emotional every time. I hope the team stays in the position, fighting for everything.”
As Salah prepares for the next chapter of his career, he departs Anfield not only as a Liverpool legend but as one of the greatest footballers ever produced by Egypt and the Arab world, leaving behind a legacy of goals, trophies and memories that will endure for generations.
