Liverpool's star forward Mohamed Salah has dropped a major hint about a potential departure from the club, expressing deep frustration after being left on the bench for three consecutive matches. The Egyptian icon, 33, suggested that forces within the club are working against him, marking a dramatic turn in his eight-year tenure at Anfield.
A Strained Relationship and Broken Promises
The crisis unfolded after Liverpool's 3-3 draw against Leeds United in the Premier League on Saturday, December 6, where Salah was an unused substitute for the full 90 minutes. This marked the third game in a row where manager Arne Slot did not call upon the services of the prolific scorer.
Speaking to reporters post-match, a visibly upset Salah stated he could not accept his current situation. "I could not believe I was sitting on the bench for 90 minutes," he said. "That’s the third time. It’s the first time in my career I think." He revealed a significant deterioration in his relationship with Slot, which was once positive. "I used to have a good relationship. Now we don’t have any relationship and I don't know why," Salah added.
The player, who signed a two-year contract extension just in April, feels betrayed by the club's leadership. "The club promised me a lot in summer. Now I’m on bench so I can say they haven’t kept those promises," he asserted, claiming he feels he has been "thrown under the bus" to shoulder blame for the team's issues.
An Emotional Farewell on the Horizon?
Salah strongly hinted that his next home game could be his last for the Reds. He disclosed that he has invited his parents to attend Liverpool's upcoming match against Brighton & Hove Albion at Anfield on December 13.
"I called my mum and dad and told them to come to the Brighton game. It doesn't matter if I play or not. I'm going to enjoy it," Salah explained. "I'm just going to be at Anfield and say goodbye to the fans before the African Cup of Nations, because I don’t know what is going to happen when I am there."
This move is being widely interpreted as preparation for a potential final appearance in front of the Liverpool faithful. The striker, who joined from AS Roma in 2017, has cemented his legacy as a club legend. He is Liverpool's third-highest all-time scorer behind icons Ian Rush and Roger Hunt, with over 250 goals in all competitions, and has won two Premier League titles during his storied spell.
What Lies Ahead for the Egyptian King?
The public airing of grievances points to an almost irreparable rift between the player and the club's management. Salah's comments reflect a profound sense of disappointment. "It seems like someone does not want me in the club," he concluded, painting a picture of an internal campaign to push him out.
His statement, "If I was somewhere else, every club would protect its players. Now, it’s 'Throw Mo under the bus because he is a problem in a team'. I don’t think I am a problem," underscores his belief that he is being unfairly scapegoated. With the January transfer window approaching and the African Cup of Nations on the horizon, the Brighton match may well become an emotional farewell for one of the Premier League's greatest ever imports.
