Mohamed Salah has urged Liverpool fans to stop booing Trent Alexander-Arnold ahead of his Anfield exit.
Earlier this month, Alexander-Arnold announced that he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season when his contract expires.
The 26-year-old has already reached an agreement to join Real Madrid on a free transfer and the Spanish club are keen to pay a fee in order to have him in their squad for their Club World Cup campaign in June.
Alexander-Arnold’s decision to leave has sparked a mixed reaction from Liverpool supporters but the England international was booed by a section of fans at Anfield when he came on as a substitute in the 2-2 draw with Arsenal last Sunday.
‘The fans were being harsh with him, I think he didn’t deserve it,’ Salah told Sky Sports.
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‘He deserves the fans to treat him in the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans.’
Asked if he felt sad by the Liverpool fans who booed Alexander-Arnold, Salah replied: ‘Absolutely.
‘I was surprised, because it’s not how we react as Liverpool fans. We shouldn’t act this way with anyone.
‘We always appreciate the people that came here, even for six months. Imagine someone who gave you his all for 20 years, it shouldn’t be like this.
‘I hope that will change in the next game, Brighton or the last game of the season because he deserves a farewell.’
Asked if he tried convincing Alexander-Arnold to stay, Salah replied: ‘Look, again, it’s his decision.
‘I’m not trying to convince him to stay because I know his 20 years in a club is not easy. It’s just so tough, people think it’s easy to take a decision and just stay – no, it’s not.’
Salah also added: ‘I think he deserves the best farewell in leaving the club.
‘He’s done a lot for the city and for the club, and he was probably one of the best players in the club’s history.
‘So he gave it all and I think he needs a new challenge. He spoke to me about it, it’s his decision for sure but he needs a new challenge.
‘He’s 25, 26 years old, won it all twice or three times over, what more can he do? He just needs to change and challenge himself.
‘People don’t know about it much, but he’s 20 years in the club, it’s so tough mentally for someone to be 20 years at a club.
‘People think it’s the place you love… yeah, I do love the place, but going every day to the same place for 20 years, mentally could get depressing.
‘So I really wish him the best, I will always be in contact with him.’
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