Mohamed Salah speaks out on Trent Alexander-Arnold abuse - 'not how we act'

Salah and Trent

Mohamed Salah believes the abuse aimed at Trent Alexander-Arnold at Anfield last Sunday is "not how we act as Liverpool fans"

Salah has called on supporters to give the departing right-back a proper farewell.

Alexander-Arnold was targeted by significant sections of the home crowd after he emerged from the bench in the 2-2 home Premier League draw against Arsenal last Sunday, the first game since confirming he was leaving the Reds on a free transfer at the end of the season.

The right-back, who is expected to join Real Madrid in the summer, had his name jeered when it was read out before the game,

Trent was also booed when coming on to the pitch, a moment during which Salah pointedly applauded.

Alexander-Arnold's subsequent every touch of the ball prompted abuse from some fans while Cody Gakpo and Dominik Szoboszlai leapt to the defence of their team-mate after the game.

asked if he was sad about the negative reaction from certain supporters,

Salah said:

“Absolutely. I was surprised because this is not how we act as Liverpool fans, we shouldn't act this way with anyone.

"We should always appreciate the people that came here even for six months. Imagine someone gave you his all for 20 years.

"It shouldn't be like this, and I hope that will change at the next game at Brighton or the last game of the season, because he deserves the farewell."

Salah forged a strong partnership with Alexander-Arnold down the right flank that was a foundation of Liverpool's success under first Jurgen Klopp and now Arne Slot

Salah added

"How much will I miss Trent? A lot, a lot," he said. "I told him don't get eye contact (with me) on your farewell because I really love him and I think he deserve the best farewell leaving the club.

"He has done a lot for the city and done a lot for the club, and is probably (one of) the best player in the club's history.

"He gave his all and I think he needed a new challenge. He spoke to me about it. It's his decision, for sure, but he needs a new challenge.

“He is 25, 26 years old and has won it all, what more can he have done? He just needs a work change and (to) charge himself.

"People don't know much about it, but he's had 20 years at a club. It's so tough mentally for someone to be 20 years in a club.

“People think 'it's the place you love' and, yeah, I (Trent) do love the place, but I'm going every day to the same place for 20 years. Mentally, you could be depressed.

"So I really wish him the best. I would always be in contact with him, but I think somehow the fans have been harsh with him.

“He didn't deserve that and he deserves the fans to treat him the best way possible, because he gave it all for the fans."

Salah, though, revealed he did not try to persuade Alexander-Arnold to follow himself and Virgil van Dijk in signing a new contract

Salah

"I get it, it's his decision,"

"I'm not trying to convince him to stay because I know 20 years in a club is not easy. It is just so tough. People think it's easy to take a decision and just stay.

"No, it's not and I didn't want to speak to him much about it because I want him in my team always, somebody like him, you want him in your team.

“But also I understand that like being in a same place for 20 years it's not easy."