Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah started Sunday’s match against Brentford in what was his final appearance for Liverpool, on the last day of the Premier League season, just days after criticizing the team’s playing style under Dutch manager Arne Slot.
The “Egyptian King” leaves Anfield after a rich nine‑year spell with the club, bidding farewell alongside Scottish defender Andy Robertson, who also joined in 2017.
Salah (33) emerged from the tunnel into the Anfield pitch under bright sunshine, accompanied by his two daughters, while Robertson (32) walked out with his three children.
Both players received a storm of applause and chants when announced by the stadium announcer, in a celebratory atmosphere.
Fans raised banners honoring the two players, one reading: “Thank you, legends,” while another said: “We moved from greatness to glory. Salah is our king.”
In a social media post after last week’s defeat to Aston Villa, the Egyptian international said he wanted to see the return of “heavy metal football,” referring to the style used by former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp.
The post was liked by several current squad members who have endured a difficult season after winning the league title last year.
Slot said on Friday he did not believe Salah’s comments undermined him, adding: “I think Mo was very happy with our style of play last year, because it led us to winning the league.”
He continued: “Football has changed, football has evolved, but we want the same thing — what is best for Liverpool, which is competing for titles. We didn’t achieve that this season.”
Salah has scored 257 goals in 441 matches since joining Anfield in 2017, with only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt ahead of him on Liverpool’s all‑time scoring list.
He won several major trophies with the club, including the UEFA Champions League and two Premier League titles.
It was announced last March that Salah would leave the club. He had told reporters in December that his relationship with Slot had reached a “dead end.”
The 33‑year‑old topped the Premier League scoring charts last season with 29 goals, but his form declined significantly this season, scoring only seven goals.
Liverpool are expected to secure the fifth Champions League qualification spot, as they lead sixth‑placed Bournemouth by three points with a significantly superior goal difference.
