Mohamed Salah has defended teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold after the right-back was booed by some Liverpool fans following news of his summer transfer to Real Madrid.
The Egyptian forward said fans were "being harsh" with Alexander-Arnold during last Sunday's 2-2 draw against Arsenal at Anfield.
Salah believes his teammate deserves better treatment from supporters after dedicating 20 years of his life to Liverpool, having been at the club since the age of six.
"I think somehow the fans were being harsh with him," he said ahead of Liverpool's meeting with Brighton on Monday Night Football.
Mo Salah wants the fans to do better
Reuters
"I think he didn't deserve it at the time, he deserved the fans to treat him the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans."
Salah expressed surprise at the reception, telling Sky Sports' Gary Neville: "This is not how we act as Liverpool fans. We shouldn't act this way with anyone who always appreciates the people, who came here even for six months."
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Alexander-Arnold, 26, has made 353 senior appearances for Liverpool, scoring 23 goals, and will leave having won two Premier League titles and a Champions League.
Asked if the boos saddened him, Salah replied: "Absolutely. I was surprised because this is not how we act as Liverpool fans."
"Imagine someone who gives you his all for 20 years. It shouldn't be like this. I hope that will change next game, against Brighton or in the last game of the season, because he deserves the farewell."
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Trent Alexander-Arnold is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season
Reuters
Salah, who recently signed a new contract at Liverpool alongside Virgil van Dijk, revealed he understands Alexander-Arnold's decision to seek a new challenge.
"I think he needed a new challenge. He spoke to me about it. It's his decision for sure. He's 25, 26 years old and won it all twice or three times. What more can he have done?" Salah explained.
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"It's so tough mentally for someone to be 20 years in a club. Yeah I do love the place but going every day to the same place for 20 years, mentally you could get depressed."
Salah shared a personal moment with Alexander-Arnold about his departure, saying: "I told him yesterday, don't give me eye contact in your farewell."
The forward made it clear he values his teammate highly, adding: "I really love him. I think he deserves the best farewell leaving the club. He's one of probably the best players in the club's history."
Despite his sadness at the departure, Salah remains supportive of his friend's decision, concluding: "I really wish him the best. I'll always be in contact with him."
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