Alan Shearer thinks Mohamed Salah may not play for Liverpool again following his recent comments, but believes it will not ruin his legacy, which contrasts with Wayne Rooney's view
Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney hold microphones pitchside in a stadium
Alan Shearer and Wayne Rooney have disagreed about Mohamed Salah's Liverpool legacy
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Alan Shearer does not believe that Mohamed Salah's current stand-off with Liverpool will ruin his legacy. This view starkly contrasts with what Wayne Rooney said earlier this week.
After his explosive comments to journalists last weekend, Salah might never wear the Liverpool shirt again if he participates in the Africa Cup of Nations and then secures a move away from the club during this January transfer window. Head coach Arne Slot confirmed on Friday morning that a crucial conversation between them will take place ahead of Saturday's home match against Brighton and Hove Albion.
Shearer has shared his thoughts on what needs to happen for the Egypt international to continue playing for the club. The former Newcastle United striker thinks it is unlikely that the forward will wear red again.
He told Betfair: "I think that depends on Mo himself in terms of whether he's prepared to back down and accept that he shouldn't have done it if he wants to play for Liverpool again. I've been through all the reasons why I think he did it, and I understand his attitude and how he feels because I've been there myself. I've felt everything he feels when I got left out of the Sunderland game."
"The big difference is that he shouldn't have gone to the world press to say that. I guess he has to come out and apologise, although I'm not sure I see that happening. My belief is that he may not play for Liverpool again."
The Premier League record goalscorer went on to add he thinks it would be 'a shame' to witness Salah's Anfield chapter conclude in such fashion. However, he reckons it will leave a mark on the Egyptian's overall impact on English football.
Shearer added: "If it is the end for Salah at Liverpool, it'll be such a shame for him because he's been such a great. He's a superstar, and superstars are wired differently to normal footballers. It'd be a shame because of what he's achieved and what he's done at Liverpool.
"When you consider the greats of the game that have played for Liverpool, there are only two players that have scored more than him. He'll go down as a Premier League great, whether he has played his last match or not. And it'd be such a shame for him to go out like this after what he's done for Liverpool.
"One thing I will say, though, is that it won't be forgotten all of this, but I don't think it'll ruin his legacy. He's achieved so much, and Liverpool wouldn't have won what they have without him, so I don't think it'll ruin his legacy, but it will be tarnished."
Liverpool's Egyptian striker #11 Mohamed Salah
Mohamed Salah's future at Liverpool remains uncertain
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This view clashes dramatically with comments from former Manchester United striker Rooney following Salah's explosive interview. He claimed Salah's behaviour has 'destroyed' how the club will remember him.
Rooney said: "He is absolutely destroying his legacy at Liverpool. It would be sad for him to throw it all away. He's gone about it all wrong.
"Time catches up with all of us, and this season he hasn't looked as his best, at his sharpest. You want to see him roll his sleeves up and say, 'Ok then, I'll show you'. To have the arrogance to say he doesn't have to earn his place because he has already earned his place, you need to be at your best every week to try and stay in the team.
"If I was one of his team-mates, I wouldn't be happy at all with what he said because this is where Liverpool need him most. If anything, he has thrown Liverpool under the bus with his words. He's been absolutely incredible for Liverpool, but this was disrespectful to his team-mates, manager and fans.
"I would imagine he will be very quiet around the training ground, and that will bring a negative energy in itself to the new players Arne has bedded in. I am sure over the next couple of years he will regret saying what he has."
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