Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool at the end of the season, off the back of his announcement video that was shared on Tuesday
Steven Gerrard
Steven Gerrard has had his say on Mo Salah leaving Liverpool(Image: TNT Sports)
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Steven Gerrard believes the only way Liverpool can replace Mohamed Salah is by buying one of the best wingers in the world. Salah signalled the end of an era at Liverpool when he announced on Tuesday night that he will leave the club at the end of the season.
The 33-year-old will depart on a free transfer following talks with Anfield chiefs, ending his trophy-laden nine-year stay on Merseyside. Talk has already commenced over who should replace the Egypt international, but Gerrard believes that unless his old club signs a “box office” star, they won’t be able to replace Salah.
“You have to buy someone who is box office or you are not replacing him,” he told TNT Sport. “They have to be top end, top three, four wingers in the world to replace Mo Salah because that’s what Mo has been.”
Bayern Munich’s Michael Olise has already been linked with a move to Anfield, and Owen Hargreaves he would be the sort of box office player the Reds require. He said: “If you are Liverpool you have got to go ready.
“Tried and tested. For me that would be Olise. Somebody of that calibre. If you don’t ask, you don’t get. And I wouldn’t want to see him leave Bayern because that front free is amazing.
“But if you are talking (about) Olise on that right-hand side for Liverpool, that is box office.”
Confirming his departure, Salah said in a video on his social channels: "Hello everyone, unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.
"I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life.
"Liverpool is not just a football club, it's a passion, it's a history, it's a spirit. I can't explain in words to anyone not part of this club. We celebrated victory, we won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life.
Mohamed Salah celebrates scoring for Liverpool
Salah has become a Liverpool legend(Image: Alex Pantling - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images)
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"I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates past and present.
"And to the fans, I don't have enough words. 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.
"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 to my family. Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone."
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