- Trent Alexander-Arnold is set to leave Liverpool on a free transfer this summer
- Alexander-Arnold was booed by some Liverpool fans against Arsenal last week
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Mohamed Salah says Trent Alexander-Arnold is the greatest homegrown player in Liverpool’s history and should be given a fitting farewell rather than being booed.
The Real Madrid-bound vice-captain was jeered loudly at Anfield last Sunday but talisman Salah, a good friend of Alexander-Arnold, has hit out at fans for their actions.
Speaking to Gary Neville on Sky Sports, the Egyptian said: ‘I was surprised because it is not how we react as Liverpool fans. We shouldn’t react this way with anyone. We always appreciate the people who came here, even if it was for six months.
‘Imagine someone who gave his all for 20 years. It shouldn’t be like this and I hope it will change in the next games because he deserves a farewell.’
Asked how much he will miss the man he has shared the right flank with for several years, Salah added: ‘A lot. I told him yesterday do not give me eye contact in your farewell because I really love him. 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 the best homegrown player in the club’s history and he needed a new challenge. He spoke to me about it. It is his decision, for sure.
Mohamed Salah leapt to the defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold and hit out at those booing him
Alexander-Arnold was booed by some Liverpool fans during their clash with Arsenal last week
Salah claimed that Alexander-Arnold is the greatest homegrown player in Liverpool’s history
‘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. 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.
‘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.’
Salah could have also departed this summer after a lengthy contract saga and he said this time last year he thought he had a ‘10 per cent chance’ of staying.
