Rooney claims Mohamed Salah’s age has caught up with him as Liverpool exit nears

Premier League icon Wayne Rooney has suggested that Liverpool forward Mohamed Salah is beginning to feel the impact of age as his long Anfield career nears its end.

The former Manchester United striker argued that the Egyptian’s influence has faded slightly this season, raising questions over whether the timing is right for his anticipated departure after years of elite performance in English football.

Salah is expected to depart Liverpool this summer after nine years at the club, closing a defining chapter at Anfield. During his spell, he has scored 257 goals in 435 appearances, establishing himself as one of the most feared forwards in world football.

His goals and consistency were central to Liverpool’s domestic and European triumphs under Jürgen Klopp, including a Premier League title and a Champions League crown. Yet at 33, there is growing discussion about whether his physical sharpness and output have begun to decline compared to his peak seasons.

Wayne Rooney believes the issue extends beyond Salah, pointing to senior Liverpool players and the broader impact on squad leadership. He suggested that Virgil van Dijk has also shown signs of decline this season, which can disrupt the emergence of new leaders within the team.

In Rooney’s view, when established figures lose their edge, it becomes more difficult for younger players to take control and influence matches consistently.

Rooney explained his perspective on form and leadership, saying:

“I think that’s happened to Salah this season and Virgil van Dijk hasn’t been the same this season. They are the leaders in the dressing room. It’s hard for the other players to go and leave their mark or become the leaders.”

He also added:

“I don’t think he (Van Dijk) will (leave) but you’ve seen players when they’ve stayed there for too long.”

Reflecting on his own experience, he said:

“The hardest thing for a player is to understand you may be not at the level you were. I did it at Manchester United when Zlatan Ibrahimovic came in and I wasn’t playing. I wanted to play so I left straight away. I accepted it.”

Salah departs Anfield as a club legend, having helped secure two Premier League titles and a Champions League triumph. Regardless of the debate over his current form, his legacy at Liverpool is firmly established.