Alan Shearer wades in on the Mohamed Salah debate with uncertainty over the attacker’s Liverpool career
Alan Shearer believes Mohamed Salah’s Liverpool legacy will not be ruined by his ongoing stand-off, whatever the outcome. This directly contrasts with Wayne Rooney’s thoughts on the matter earlier in the week.
Following his bombshell outburst to reporters last weekend, Salah may potentially never play for Liverpool again were he to take part in the Africa Cup of Nations, then secure a January transfer away from the club. Head coach Arne Slot has confirmed on Friday morning the pair are due a decisive talk leading into Saturday’s match at home to Brighton.
Speaking to BetfairShearer gave his thoughts on what must happen if the Egyptian is to continue representing the club. The former Newcastle and England forward believes the Egypt star is unlikely to play for the Reds again.
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“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,” he said.
“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’s all-time leading goalscorer went on to admit it would be ‘a shame’ to see Salah’s time at Anfield end in such a manner, though he does believe it will impact the overall legacy he has left on English football. Shearer continued: “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.”
This statement stands in direct competition with the one made by fellow former England international Rooney in reaction to Salah’s initial interview. Rooney said Salah’s action have ‘destroyed’ the way he will be remembered at Anfield.
Rooney had stated: “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.”
