Wayne Rooney has never minced his words about Mohamed Salah and he has not started now. The Manchester United legend has called for Mohamed Salah dropped from Anfield finale, describing the Egyptian’s public criticism of Liverpool’s tactics as “selfish” with one game remaining.
The demand comes just days before Salah’s scheduled farewell against Brentford on May 24 the last time Anfield will see one of its greatest ever players in a Liverpool shirt.
What Rooney Said And Why
Rooney’s call for Mohamed Salah dropped from Anfield finale came after Salah publicly criticised Arne Slot’s tactical approach following Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa on May 16.
“You don’t do that one game from the end of your career at this club. That is selfish. That is about him, not Liverpool,” Rooney said. Former Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard agreed, calling the statement “quite damning to the Liverpool manager and the staff.”
What Salah Actually Said The Tactical Rant
Salah used his post-match interview at Villa Park to deliver a pointed farewell broadside at Liverpool’s current direction.
“I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear,” he said. “That is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good. It cannot be negotiable.” For a player leaving on a free transfer in six days, the comments landed like a final verdict on Slot’s management.
Why Is Mohamed Salah Leaving Liverpool
Salah signed a new two-year contract in April 2025 stunning fans who feared an immediate departure. Just twelve months later, he announced his exit in an emotional video.
Liverpool confirmed in March 2026 he would leave as a free agent. His final tally stands at 257 goals in nine years third in the club’s all-time list. With 191 Premier League goals, he is the highest-scoring foreign player in English football history.
Where Is Mo Salah Going The Transfer Picture
The where is Mo Salah going question has dominated transfer discussions for months. Saudi Pro League clubs particularly Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have made substantial offers.
However, sources close to Salah suggest a preference for one more elite European challenge before considering the Saudi route. His free agent status makes him accessible to clubs that would otherwise be priced out making this one of the most watched transfers of the summer window.
Mo Salah Age Can He Still Perform at the Top
Mo Salah age 33 is central to the debate about his next destination. Rooney himself drew a comparison with Virgil van Dijk, saying “age gets to us all and your legs go.”
The numbers tell a nuanced story. Salah finished 2025-26 with 12 goals and nine assists in 38 appearances solid but well below his peak. A second significant hamstring injury in late April further complicated his final weeks at the club.
Slot’s Response No Plans to Drop Salah
Despite Rooney’s call for Mohamed Salah dropped from Anfield finale, Arne Slot has not taken the bait. Earlier in the season, Slot was clear: “Mo definitely deserves that the fans give him a great farewell.”
Slot has not publicly responded to Salah’s Villa Park comments, maintaining a dignified stance throughout an inherently awkward situation. Salah is expected to feature against Brentford regardless of external pressure.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why Is Mohamed Salah Leaving Liverpool?
Salah signed a two-year deal in April 2025 but announced his departure twelve months later. Liverpool confirmed in March 2026 he would leave as a free agent. His Villa Park comments criticising Liverpool’s tactical identity suggest a growing disconnect between his footballing vision and Slot’s direction. Why is Mohamed Salah leaving Liverpool ultimately reflects a player who feels the club’s current approach no longer matches what made him great.
Is Mo Salah Leaving Anfield What Is His Final Record?
Yes May 24’s home game against Brentford will be Salah’s last at Anfield. Mo Salah age 33 brings the curtain down on a career producing 257 goals across all competitions third in Liverpool’s all-time list. His 191 Premier League goals make him the highest-scoring foreign player in the competition’s history. He leaves with two Premier League titles, a Champions League, an FA Cup, and two League Cups among his honours.
Where Is Mo Salah Going After Liverpool?
Where is Mo Salah going remains genuinely uncertain. Saudi Pro League clubs including Al-Hilal and Al-Ittihad have made substantial financial offers. However, sources close to Salah suggest he wants at least one more season at a top European club before making that move. A final decision is expected within weeks of the Brentford farewell on May 24.
