In an unexpected turn of events, Mohamed Salah, star of Liverpool, has expressed his support for Trent Alexander-Arnold after the right-back was booed by fans during the draw against Arsenal last weekend. This incident has cast a shadow over the player's farewell, as he prepares to embark on a new chapter in his career by joining Real Madrid.
During an interview with Gary Neville on Sky Sports, Salah did not hesitate to voice his discontent with the fans' reaction: "I told Trent not to look me in the eyes when he says goodbye because I care about him a lot." The Egyptian emphasized that Alexander-Arnold deserves a proper farewell, considering his long tenure at the club.
"He deserves the best possible farewell from the club. He has done so much for the city and the club. He has probably been the best local player in the club's history, and now he wants a new challenge. That is his decision," Salah added, who has been one of the standout figures for the team this season, leading the league with 28 goals.
The boos that echoed at Anfield are a clear sign of frustration from a segment of the fanbase, who view Alexander-Arnold's move to the Madrid club as a betrayal. "It shouldn't be like this, and I hope it changes for the next match because he deserves a great farewell," Salah insisted, also reminding that the full-back has been at the club for 20 years, making the reaction of some fans even more incomprehensible.
On May 25, Alexander-Arnold will have the chance to say goodbye to his fans at Anfield, followed by the league title celebration through the streets of Liverpool. However, the shadow of his transfer to Real Madrid could overshadow those moments, as many supporters do not forgive his decision to join a direct rival in the Champions League.
"I was surprised (by the boos) because that's not how Liverpool fans react. We always support the people who come here, even if they've only been here for six months. Imagine someone who has been here for twenty years. It shouldn't be like this," Salah concluded, making it clear that Alexander-Arnold's legacy at the club deserves to be celebrated, not belittled.