Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah has given his take on the actions of the club's supporters who decided to boo Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield.
Alexander-Arnold, 26, was greeted with a chorus of boos from some sections of the home supporters inside Anfield when he was introduced in the second half of Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal last Sunday.
This came just under a week on from his announcement, which confirmed that he will leave his hometown club upon the expiration of his contract in June 2025.
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It must be stated that some fans chose to applaud the right-back while others sang the names of Conor Bradley and Steven Gerrard.
And it’s fair to say the actions of the supporters, in particular the booing, has divided opinion.
"I'm surprised how many [booed],” former Liverpool captain Jamie Carragher said when he spoke on Sky Sports last Sunday.
“For me, I don't believe any player putting on that red shirt who goes on to win trophies should be being booed.
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"Booing one of your own players while they're playing is not for me."
On Friday (May 16), Salah gave an interview to former Manchester United captain Gary Neville, which was released via Sky Sports, and he did not hold back with his words on the treatment of Alexander-Arnold.
Salah said: “I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him.
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"I think he didn't deserve it at the time, he deserved the fans to treat him the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans."
When pressed on whether the boos saddened him, he added: "Absolutely. I was surprised because this is not how we act as Liverpool fans.
"We shouldn't act this way with anyone who always appreciates the people, who came here even for six months.
"Imagine someone who gives you his all for 20 years. It's shouldn't be like this. I hope that will change next game, against Brighton or in the last game of the season, because he deserves the farewell."
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The Egyptian continued: "I told him [Alexander-Arnold] yesterday don't give me eye contact in your farewell.
"I really love him. I think he deserves the best farewell leaving the club. He has done a lot for the city and done a lot for the club and he's one of probably the best players in the club's history. He gave it all.
"I think he needed a new challenge. He spoke to me about it. It's his decision for sure. He's 25, 26 years old and won it all twice or three times. What more can he have done?
"He just needs to go, change and challenge himself. People don't know about it much but he spent 20 years in the club.
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"It's so tough mentally for someone to be 20 years in a club. Yeah I do love the place but going every day to the same place for 20 years, mentally you could get depressed.
"I really wish him the best. I'll always be in contact with him."
Alexander-Arnold has been heavily linked with a move to Real Madrid - although this has not been confirmed.
Topics: Mohamed Salah, Trent Alexander-Arnold, Premier League, Football, Anfield, Champions League
Luke Davies