LIVERPOOL, May 25 — Mohamed Salah may not have scored the goal he wanted to cap his nine-year spell at Liverpool FC, but the Egyptian still delivered an assist before making an emotional farewell as his side secured a 1-1 Premier League draw at home to Brentford FC and a fifth-place finish that ensured Champions League football next season.
Included in the starting line-up despite recently criticising the playing style of coach Arne Slot, Salah looked lively throughout and struck a free-kick against the post in the first half before setting up Curtis Jones with the outside of his left foot to give the home side the lead in the 58th minute.
In doing so, he recorded his 93rd assist for Liverpool, surpassing Steven Gerrard’s club record of 92.
Salah’s substitution 16 minutes later sparked an emotional scene on Merseyside, with the forward visibly in tears as he embraced teammates while supporters sang his name loudly as he walked towards the touchline for the final time. He stopped briefly to kneel in prayer before leaving the pitch.
“I think I cried more than in my whole life. I’m not really an emotional guy. We lived our youth here, sharing everything from the beginning to the end. We put this club back where it belongs,” Salah told Sky Sports.
There was more emotion in the 83rd minute as left-back Andy Robertson, who joined Liverpool in the same transfer window as Salah, also made his farewell appearance for the club.
The crowd gave the Scottish defender a loud ovation as he was replaced by Milos Kerkez.
With the match over and Champions League qualification secured, Liverpool players and staff formed a guard of honour for the departing players, while their titles and achievements with the club were read out over the stadium’s public address system.
Salah remained on the pitch long after the final whistle, soaking in the emotion of his final appearance before reflecting on his departure.
“It’s life. I look back and wonder if I would have wanted more than I achieved, not really — we won it all, we see the love from the fans, and this is the most important thing for me,” he said.
“I will be far away from here. I will be emotional every time I visit. I hope the team stays in this position, fighting for everything.”
