Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness criticizes Mohamed Salah’s exit

Former Liverpool midfielder Graeme Souness has delivered a sharp assessment of Mohamed Salah following the forward’s departure from Liverpool.

Salah officially brought an end to his nine-year spell with Liverpool after featuring in his final match against Brentford in a 1–1 draw in the Premier League.

The Egyptian international was given a farewell recognition by the club following the match, marking the conclusion of one of the most influential careers in Liverpool’s modern history.

However, Souness believes the ending was far from ideal, arguing that Salah’s public comments during the latter stages of his time at the club undermined what should have been a dignified departure.

The former Liverpool captain pointed specifically to moments in the season when Salah openly expressed frustration over team decisions and performances. These included criticism following his omission from the starting line-up against Leeds United, as well as a social media post reacting to a 4–3 defeat to Aston Villa, where Liverpool’s struggles in a difficult campaign became increasingly visible.

Souness, speaking in comments reported by Rousing The Kop, did not hold back in his assessment of the situation.

“He should have left with dignity, but he didn’t. He should have accepted his situation instead of making the selfish statements he made after the Leeds United game.”

He further suggested that Salah’s reaction during the final stages of his Liverpool career reflected a failure to fully accept changing circumstances within the squad.

“He has to accept that his best days are over. He shouldn’t go out and blame others. He tried to drag the coach down with him. I find that extremely disappointing.”

Despite his criticism, Souness also acknowledged Salah’s immense contribution to Liverpool over nearly a decade, describing him as one of the greatest players in the club’s history. His legacy at Anfield includes multiple major trophies, record-breaking goal tallies, and a sustained period of elite performance that helped define Liverpool’s modern era.

Salah’s departure marks the end of a transformative chapter for Liverpool FC, during which he established himself as one of the most consistent and decisive forwards in European football. His impact on the Premier League era at Anfield remains undisputed, even as debate continues over how his final months at the club unfolded.

As Liverpool move forward under new leadership, attention will shift to rebuilding and maintaining competitiveness at the highest level. Meanwhile, Salah begins a new phase of his career away from England, carrying both an extraordinary legacy and, according to critics like Souness, a controversial ending to his Liverpool story.