Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool a legend after ripping up the record books

 When Mohamed Salah joined Liverpool in 2017, there was cautious optimism that the Egyptian winger could help contribute to the club’s revival on the biggest stage.

He was a player of promise, albeit one that had already struggled to impress in England’s tough Premier League during a previous stint at Chelsea. He was a decent attacking option, nothing more, nothing less – or so it seemed

What transpired in Salah’s nine years at the club, then, was as unexpected as it was magical.

The 33-year-old announced Tuesday that he will leave the club at the end of the season. He will do so as one of Liverpool’s top goalscorers, a winner of multiple major trophies and with the reputation as one of the greatest players to have ever played in the Premier League.

But while the statistics outline his brilliance – more of that to come – it was his relationship with the city and the fans that set him apart from other superstars who have walked through the doors at Anfield.

Salah understood the community and supporters adopted him as one of their own. A living legend, Liverpool’s very own “Egyptian King.”

“I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people, would become part of my life,” Salah said in his farewell announcement on social media, sitting in front of a glittering trophy cabinet.

“Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion. It’s a history. It’s a spirit. I can’t explain it in words.”

In the years following his arrival, Salah quickly became the poster boy of the Reds’ most recent golden era. Under the management of Jürgen Klopp, the team was set up to serve his attacking talents.

Time after time, it was Salah who scored the big goals, who created the chances, who won the matches.

He will likely finish his Liverpool career as the club’s third-highest goalscorer, and his 191 Premier Leauge goals currently sees him sit fourth in the all-time goalscoring charts, behind only Wayne Rooney, Harry Kane and Alan Shearer.

Magical moments

But the statistics don’t show the moments of magic that Salah was able to conjure on pitches up and down the country and all over Europe.

Debates over which of his goals is the best have erupted online since his announcement, and there are many moments to choose from.

Some say his solo effort against Manchester City in 2021 was the pinnacle, when the winger waltzed past one of the best defenses in the world before prodding his shot into the side-netting.

Others will point to his goal against Chelsea in 2019, when he picked the ball up on the right before drilling a shot into the far corner from distance – a move that became a trademark goal during his time at Liverpool.

Then there is his goal against Everton in 2017, an effort that won Salah the FIFA Puskás Award – an accolade for the best goal of the season. It was an effort that highlighted everything he was about: a dogged attitude, strength that superseded his diminutive size and an eye for goal that was unrivaled.

But the context around the goals is also important. Time after time, Salah stood up in the biggest moments, creating artistry with a swipe of his left boot to win his team countless games.

Those winning moments contributed to major trophies, including two league titles and the 2019 Champions League. He was also named the Premier League’s Golden Boot for top goalscorer on four different occasions.

According to Opta, since the 2017-18 season, Salah was the league’s top goalscorer (189), recorded the most assists (92), had the most shots on target (480) and created the most chances from open play (534).

Simply undeniable, he was one of the best players in the world.

But more than that, Salah tapped into what it really means to be associated with Liverpool. He seemed to understand the fabric of the surrounding community on Merseyside and was adored for more than just his ability on the pitch.

That link only strengthened last year, when Salah mourned the death of teammate Diogo Jota alongside millions of Reds fans around the world.

The tragedy plunged Liverpool into the depths of despair, with Salah and his teammates working with fans to lift the shadow from the club.

“One of the greatest to ever wear the shirt. It’s been a pleasure having the countless hours watching your greatness first hand in so many ways,” current Liverpool star Joe Gomez said on Instagram, one of many current teammates who have shared their tributes.

Real Madrid defender Trent Alexander-Arnold, an ex-Liverpool teammate of Salah, also said “Some journey brother” on Instagram, before adding “Legend.”

Growing tensions

While his legacy is unquestionable, his departure from Liverpool is perhaps overdue and, like any relationship, there have been blips.

In truth, Salah has not been at an elite level this season, struggling to make an impact in a league he once ruled.

It led to his seemingly unbreakable bond with the club being tested at the end of last year, when he had a very public falling out with Liverpool’s hierarchy after being dropped from the starting lineup.

It was one of numerous flashpoints where Salah seemed intent on ruffling a few feathers at the club and one which caused some fans, albeit temporarily, to question his intentions.

But, as they had before, the two parties made up and Salah was reintegrated into the team, recently scoring his 50th Champions League goal with Liverpool still in the hunt for the greatest trophy in club soccer this season.

And while he is essentially cutting his contract short and leaving the club for free at the end of the season, his time will be remembered for all the good he brought the team and the city of Liverpool.

“The support you showed me through the best time of my career and you stood by me in the toughest times. It’s something I will never forget and something I will take with me always,” Salah said, addressing fans in his farewell video.

“Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will be always one of you. This club will always be my home, to me and my family.”

“Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”