Mohamed Salah has come to the defence of his long-time Liverpool teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, urging fans to show the departing full-back the respect he deserves after a section of supporters booed him during last weekend’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold, who joined Liverpool’s academy at the age of six and has spent two decades at the club, is set to leave this summer. His recent performances have come under scrutiny from fans, but Salah believes such treatment is unwarranted.
“I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him,” Salah told Sky Sports. “He deserved the fans to treat him the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans.”
The Egypt international, who has led the Premier League scoring charts this season with 28 goals and helped Liverpool secure another league title, was visibly disappointed by the crowd’s reaction. “I was surprised because this is not how we act as Liverpool fans,” he said. “Imagine someone who gives you his all for 20 years. It shouldn’t be like this. I hope that’ll change next game – against Brighton or in the last game of the season – because he deserves the farewell.”
Alexander-Arnold, born in Liverpool, rose through the club’s youth system to become one of the finest right-backs in world football. During his time at Anfield, he won two Premier League titles, the Champions League, and the FIFA Club World Cup. He has made 353 senior appearances for the club.
“This club has been my whole life–my whole world–for 20 years,” Alexander-Arnold said in a statement earlier this month.
Salah described the 25-year-old as “one of the best players in the club’s history” and revealed a heartfelt exchange between the two ahead of his departure.
“I told him yesterday, don’t give me eye contact in your farewell,” Salah added. “I really love him. I think he deserves the best farewell leaving the club. He’s done a lot for the city and done a lot for the club.”
Speaking about Alexander-Arnold’s decision to move on, Salah said it was time for his teammate to seek a new challenge.
“He’s 25, 26 years old and has won it all twice or three times. What more could he have done?”
