Steven Gerrard opens up on conversation with Mohamed Salah after Liverpool outburst

Steven Gerrard has shared his thoughts on Mohamed Salah’s impending departure from Liverpool FC, revealing private advice he gave the Egyptian star during a difficult period at the club.

Salah, 33, confirmed last week that he will leave Anfield at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable nine-year spell on Merseyside. His decision follows months of tension, including a public fallout with manager Arne Slot last December.

Speaking to The Daily Mail, Gerrard suggested that the timing of Salah’s exit could be beneficial for all parties involved.

“I think this is in everyone’s best interest. I think the timing is right, in my opinion,” he said.

The former Liverpool captain acknowledged the reported disagreement between player and manager, admitting uncertainty over the full details but pointing to Salah’s controversial interview as a clear sign of underlying issues.

“It’s clear he had a disagreement with the coach. I don’t know on what level, but he gave the interview which I think he will regret later.”

Gerrard also hinted at contract tensions behind the scenes, suggesting the club had initially been hesitant over the length of Salah’s deal before eventually extending it.

“But this showed me that there was a problem. I also think, even before that, that Liverpool wanted to give Mohamed Salah a one-year contract instead of two, but because of his exceptional season and his great numbers, they gave him a two-year contract.”

Reflecting on Salah’s legacy, Gerrard emphasised the importance of a dignified exit, urging the forward to leave the club on a positive note.

“For me, it was only one year at this level. We all played during those years, and I think it’s in everyone’s best interest for it to end, but also for it to end on Mohamed Salah’s terms.”

He went on to disclose a personal conversation he had with Salah following the controversial interview, encouraging him to handle his exit carefully.

“I spoke to him about that interview at the time, and I told him: ‘Don’t repeat what you did and leave things tainted with doubt.’ I spoke to him directly.”

Gerrard added that although they are not particularly close, they maintain occasional contact, often exchanging messages.

“He sends me texts from time to time, or I send him a text, which is better if I’m going somewhere with Leo. Just so Leo (Gerard’s son) can see him.”

He concluded by reiterating the message he shared with Salah about preserving his legacy at Liverpool.

“I’m not close to him, but this gave me the opportunity to say to him: ‘You’ve been here for eight or nine years, you came here and you got this legacy. Just leave on your own terms, the right way.'”

Salah, currently third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring chart with 255 goals, has endured a relatively quiet campaign by his standards, managing five goals in 22 Premier League appearances so far.