Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah was named in the starting line-up for what is expected to be his final appearance for the club in Sunday’s Premier League clash against Brentford at Anfield.
The Egyptian superstar received a rousing welcome from supporters as he walked onto the pitch alongside his two daughters before kickoff in an emotional atmosphere at the iconic stadium.
Salah’s farewell appearance comes just days after the 33-year-old made headlines with comments criticising Liverpool’s current playing style under manager Arne Slot, reigniting discussions about the club’s direction following a disappointing campaign.
The former Roma and Chelsea winger, widely regarded as one of Liverpool’s greatest-ever players, is leaving Anfield after an extraordinary nine-year spell filled with goals, trophies and unforgettable moments.
Scotland international Andy Robertson, another key figure from Jurgen Klopp’s successful era, also featured in what appears to be his final home game for Liverpool. Robertson entered the pitch accompanied by his three children as fans celebrated both club legends.
Anfield was transformed into a farewell party atmosphere, with banners and chants honouring Salah and Robertson throughout the stadium.
One giant banner read, “Thank You Legends,” while another declared, “We Have Gone From Great To Glory. Salah Is Our King.”
Salah’s recent social media comments had sparked controversy among Liverpool supporters after he suggested the team should return to the “heavy metal football” style associated with former manager Jurgen Klopp.
The post was reportedly liked by several current Liverpool players, further fuelling speculation about dressing-room frustrations after the club failed to compete strongly for major trophies this season despite winning the Premier League title last year.
Speaking ahead of the match, Liverpool manager Arne Slot downplayed suggestions of tension between himself and Salah.
According to Slot, Salah enjoyed the style of football played last season because it helped the club secure the league title, insisting that both he and the Egyptian forward want success for Liverpool.
Salah’s departure marks the end of one of the most successful individual eras in Liverpool’s history.
Since joining the Reds from AS Roma in 2017, the Egyptian has scored 257 goals for the club, making him Liverpool’s third all-time leading scorer behind Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
During his time at Anfield, Salah won multiple major honours including the UEFA Champions League, Premier League titles, FA Cup, League Cup, FIFA Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup.
The winger was also instrumental in restoring Liverpool as a dominant force in English and European football under Klopp.
Last season, Salah finished as the Premier League’s top scorer with 29 goals, but his form declined significantly during the current campaign, managing only seven league goals.
Liverpool entered Sunday’s final Premier League game sitting fifth on the table, three points ahead of Bournemouth and hoping to secure qualification for next season’s UEFA Champions League.
Fans inside Anfield gave Salah repeated standing ovations as emotions ran high ahead of the end of an era for one of the club’s modern-day icons.
Football analysts believe Salah’s departure could trigger a major rebuilding process at Liverpool as Arne Slot prepares for his second season in charge of the club.
