Mohamed Salah has admitted that he won’t be returning to Anfield in the future because it would make him too emotional. The outgoing Liverpool forward was reduced to tears as he waved goodbye to the club after making his final appearance on Sunday. He was given a standing ovation and a guard of honour when he was substituted in the second half of the 1-1 draw with Brentford.
Before kick-off, a giant tifo was unveiled at the Kop end as the Anfield faithful paid tribute to Salah on his final farewell. Afterwards, he spoke to Sky Sports as he tried to sum up his thoughts and feelings on a highly emotional day. The winger said that it would be very difficult to return in the future, given what he has achieved over the last nine years.
Salah also pleaded with Arne Slot to keep Liverpool in a position where they can ‘fight for everything’ heading into next season and beyond.
“I’m not coming back, I will be emotional every time I come back,” explained Salah. “I love everything about this place, to be fair, but I would love to come back but I hope the team stays in the position where we are fighting for everything.
“This is what we have done for the last 10 years. I don’t want people to get it wrong that I’m coming back because I know people will twist it up, no, no.”
Quizzed on his emotional walk-off while being replaced in the second half, Salah replied: “I think I cried more than in my whole life. I’m not really an emotional guy.”
Salah went on to single out Andy Robertson, who is also leaving Liverpool this summer and is widely expected to join Tottenham on a contract until 2028.
“We lived our youth here, sharing everything from the beginning to the end,” said the Egyptian. “We put this club back where it belongs. He [Robertson] is loved because he gives his all in the field. They love him for that.
“It’s tricky to leave Liverpool. He’s very important for the team and for that period of time we had. I’m really honoured to share a dressing room with him. He was there for the team. I am very blessed to share a dressing room with him.
“It’s life. I look back and wonder if I would have wanted more than I achieved. Not really. We won it all. We see the love from the fans and this is the most important thing for me.”