Totti: Roma gave Mohamed Salah his platform and his departure was no surprise

Francesco Totti has praised Egypt captain Mohamed Salah for his two-season spell at Roma, saying the Italian club provided an important starting point in the forward’s career and that he expected him to move on.

Speaking to the Shasha channel, former Roma and Italy player Totti said Salah made a strong impression during his time in the Italian capital.

“Roma was a starting point for Mohamed Salah,” Totti said. “He had two very good seasons and was always in excellent condition.”

Salah scored regularly and created goals for his team-mates during his time at the club, while also earning a strong connection with Roma supporters.

“He scored many goals and provided a lot of assists,” Totti added. “The fans loved and adored him because he is a very likeable person. He was always available and never failed to give everything for the club’s colours.”

Totti, who is now retired, said Salah had ambitions that extended beyond Roma and believed it was logical for the player to seek a new challenge.

“Salah had other very important goals, and it was natural for him to feel that he needed to change clubs,” he said.

“I expected Mohamed Salah to leave Roma because he was a different player from the others.”

Salah joined Roma from Chelsea in 2015 and spent two seasons with the Italian capital club. He then moved to Liverpool in 2017, where he has spent nine seasons with the English side.

Salah is listed with Trabzonspor, while Totti’s club status is retired.