NEW DELHI: Mohamed Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an emotional end to a glittering nine-year spell. His departure marks the end of one of the club’s most successful eras, with the Egyptian striker firmly established among Liverpool’s all-time greats.Salah reflected on his journey: “Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit. I can’t explain it in words to anyone who isn’t part of this club.”
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A legendary run in numbers
Salah’s impact can best be understood from his staggering numbers. Since joining from Roma in 2017 for around US$50 million, he has scored 255 goals in 435 games, making him Liverpool’s third all-time top scorer behind Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285).In the Premier League alone, Salah has been directly involved in 281 goals (189 goals and 92 assists), the most of any player for a single club in the history of the competition.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (AP Photo/Jon Super)
He also created 534 chances from open play, underscoring his versatile attacking ability.His consistency is further reflected in his scoring, averaging a goal every 138 minutes and reaching 100 Premier League goals in just 151 games, a club record.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah celebrates with a selfie (AP Photo/Jon Super, File)
Salah also delivered in the big moments. He has scored 48 goals for Liverpool in the Champions League and holds the club record for the fastest European goal at 55 seconds. In one memorable night, he scored the fastest Champions League hat-trick in just 6 minutes and 12 seconds.In terms of trophies, he has won 8 major titles including 2 Premier League titles, 1 Champions League, 1 FA Cup, 2 League Cups, Club World Cup and UEFA Super Cup. Individually, he won the Premier League Golden Boot four times, equaling Thierry Henry’s record.
A complicated ending and what lies ahead
Despite his legendary status, Salah’s final season was turbulent. After a dip in form, he admitted he felt “thrown under the bus”, with reports of tension between him and manager Arn Slot. His performance has also fallen by his standards, scoring just a handful of league goals this season.Liverpool, meanwhile, are struggling with injuries, a lack of squad depth and inconsistency, so they face a major rebuild.
Mohamed Salah applauds (AP Photo/Jon Super)
Replacing Salah will be a top priority, but filling the gap for a player of his quality and influence will be a huge challenge.Salah’s future remains uncertain, with possible moves to Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer or a return to Europe being discussed. For now, the focus turns to giving him a proper farewell.Whatever comes, Salah will leave behind a legacy defined by numbers, trophies and memorable moments, cementing his place as one of Liverpool’s best ever players.
