Liverpool winger Mohamed Salah has confirmed he will leave Anfield at the end of the season, insisting he is "at peace" with the decision to go out on his own terms.
The Egyptian international concludes a legendary nine-year stint this summer. Both Salah and the club reached a mutual agreement to terminate his lucrative contract signed just 12 months ago a year early.
This season has been among the most challenging for the 33-year-old. Friction peaked in December following a public fallout with manager Arne Slot, where Salah claimed the club had thrown him "under the bus" after he was benched during a slump in results. While the relationship was professionally restored following the Africa Cup of Nations, the decision to release Salah from his £400,000-a-week contract without a transfer fee suggests a permanent fracture remained.
"I feel this is the right thing to do now, and I have peace with it," Salah told former captain Steven Gerrard in an interview for TNT Sports. "The season was tough for all of us and everything going on makes me feel it is time to go."
Gerrard, who visited Salah during the height of the speculation, reportedly advised the forward to "leave on his own terms." Salah credited this advice for his decision, stating he is glad to be leaving through the "big door."
While currently sidelined with an injury, Salah expects to return in time for a final farewell against Brentford at Anfield. Despite his exit, he remains confident in his fitness, noting he still has "a lot to give" and is considering several "good options" for his next move.
Salah’s departure, alongside veteran defender Andy Robertson, marks the end of an era. With Liverpool spending £450 million to rebuild the squad, Salah urged the new generation to maintain the "mentality monster" culture established under Jürgen Klopp.
"Every player had the same goal no heroes, just everyone doing their job," Salah said of the squad that secured back-to-back Champions League and Premier League titles. "I hope the bond of the team doesn't change as the players change. I hope the guys hold it together for the future."
