New Delhi: Muhammad Salah has announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season, bringing an emotional end to an impressive nine-year spell. His departure marks the end of one of the club’s most successful spells, with the Egyptian forward firmly established among Liverpool’s all-time greats.Reflecting on his journey, Salah said, “Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a passion. I can’t put into words anyone who isn’t a part of this club.”
A legendary race in numbers
Salah’s impact can best be understood by his staggering numbers. Since joining from Roma in 2017 for around US$50 million, he has scored 255 goals in 435 appearances, making him Liverpool’s third-highest goalscorer behind only Ian Rush (346) and Roger Hunt (285).i Premier League Alone, Salah has been directly involved in 281 goals (189 goals and 92 assists), the most by any player for a single club in the competition’s history.
Liverpool’s Mohamed Salah (AP Photo/Jon Super)
He also created 534 chances from open play, highlighting his versatile attacking ability.His consistency is further reflected in his scoring rate, 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 big moments. He scored 48 goals Champions League for Liverpool and holds the record for the club’s fastest European goal at 55 seconds. In a memorable night, he scored the fastest Champions League hat-trick in just 6 minutes and 12 seconds.In terms of trophies, he 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 claimed the Premier League Golden Boot 4 times, equaling Thierry Henry’s record.
A complicated ending and what’s next.
Despite his legendary status, Salah’s last season has been tumultuous. After a dip in form, he felt “thrown under the bus” with reports of tension between him and manager Arne Slott. His production also fell by his standards, with just a handful of league goals this season.Liverpool, meanwhile, have struggled with injuries, a lack of squad depth, and inconsistency, leaving them facing a major rebuild.
Mohamed Salah praised (AP Photo/Jun Super)
Replacing Salah will be a top priority, but filling the void left by a player of his quality and influence will be a huge challenge.Salah’s future is uncertain, with talks of a move to Saudi Arabia, Major League Soccer, or a return to Europe. For now, attention turns to giving him a fitting farewell.Whatever comes next, Salah leaves behind a legacy defined by numbers, trophies and unforgettable moments, cementing his place as one of Liverpool’s greatest ever players.
