Mohamed Salah has come to the defence of Trent Alexander-Arnold after the Liverpool vice-captain was booed by a section of fans following the announcement of his summer departure.
Trent, 26, will leave the club at the end of June when his contract expires, with Real Madrid expected to complete a deal for the academy graduate.
He made his first appearance since confirming the news during Liverpool’s 2-2 draw with Arsenal at Anfield, coming on as a substitute to a mixed reception.
But speaking to Gary Neville in a Sky Sports interview, Salah said the right-back deserved nothing but appreciation from the fans.
“I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him,” Salah said. “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.”
“We shouldn’t act this way with anyone who appreciates the people, even if they’ve been here for six months. Imagine someone who gave you his all for 20 years. It 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.”
Trent has made 353 appearances for the Reds, scoring 23 goals and winning every major honour, including two Premier League titles and the Champions League.
Salah continued:
“I really love him. I think he deserves the best farewell leaving the club. He’s done a lot for the city and the club. He’s one of the best players in the club’s history. He gave it all.”
The Egyptian forward, who signed a new deal with Liverpool last month, said he didn’t try to convince Trent to stay after they spoke privately about his decision.
“He spoke to me about it. It’s his decision for sure. He’s won it all, twice or three times – what more can he do?”
“I didn’t try to convince him to stay because I know 20 years at a club is not easy. It’s so tough.”
