Gerrard Urged Salah to Avoid Messy Liverpool Departure

"Don't leave under a cloud." Those were the words Steven Gerrard shared with Mohamed Salah following the Egyptian's controversial December interview that nearly derailed what should have been a graceful Liverpool exit.

Speaking on Stick to Football, the former Reds captain disclosed that he reached out to Salah directly after the forward publicly criticized Liverpool for allegedly throwing him "under the bus." Gerrard remains convinced that Salah will look back on that outburst with regret, no matter how the current campaign concludes.

The departure was already inevitable. According to Gerrard, Liverpool's offer to Salah consisted of just a one-year extension rather than the two-year deal he ultimately signed twelve months prior. The current scenario—with Salah leaving midway through that agreement—was essentially predetermined from the contract's inception.

December drama that could have spiraled out of control

What made last December particularly precarious for the Merseyside club was the confluence of factors at play. Salah found himself on the bench, visibly unhappy, and the Africa Cup of Nations looming as a potential catalyst for an abrupt departure. There was a genuine possibility he might never wear Liverpool's colours again.

Manager Arne Slot handled the situation with impressive composure, treating the controversy as a minor blip and ensuring Salah retained the opportunity for a proper farewell. That approach deserves recognition—it was shrewd leadership during a delicate moment.

The outcome means Salah will receive the send-off befitting his contributions. Nine remarkable seasons, a UEFA Champions League trophy, two FA Cup victories, and a Premier League championship. As former Liverpool defender Martin Škrtel, who departed Anfield just before Salah's 2017 arrival from AS Roma, aptly stated: "Mo leaves a legacy behind him." It's an undeniable truth.

Future destinations—and why Europe seems unlikely

Bayern Munich have already backed away from pursuing the Egyptian international. Paris Saint-Germain and FC Barcelona don't align financially for a player of Salah's age and salary expectations. That narrows the realistic options to Saudi Arabia's Pro League or Major League Soccer.

Gerrard, drawing from his experience managing Al Ettifaq and playing for LA Galaxy, offered a frank assessment of both leagues. The top four Saudi Pro League clubs, he suggested, operate at a level comparable to lower-tier English Premier League sides or top Championship teams. MLS, according to the Liverpool legend, falls even shorter of that standard.

Salah will undoubtedly collect a substantial paycheque in either competition. Whether he'll find genuine footballing satisfaction is an entirely separate matter.

"He'll regret it," Gerrard remarked about the December controversy. Perhaps he's right. But the only measure that truly counts now is how Salah's Liverpool story concludes in May—and at present, it's shaping up to be the dignified farewell the Egyptian superstar has earned.