Mohamed Salah and other footballers denied fairytale farewells as Liverpool career ends prematurely

There is, however, optimism that the veteran will be able to feature at the World Cup in North America this summer.

Salah signed for Liverpool back in the summer of 2017 with a point to prove, having previously toiled under Jose Mourinho at Chelsea.

Ever since returning to the UK, however, he's silenced his critics by establishing himself as one of the best players in Premier League history.

Salah has won the title twice at Anfield, while he also propelled the Reds to Champions League glory at the expense of Tottenham in 2019.

It is, however, a huge shame that Salah won't be afforded a fairytale farewell. There will be no final works of wizardry on the flanks. His magnificent magic, that has fired Liverpool back into the elite, is now a thing of the past.

GB News will now take a look at other football legends who weren't given the dream send-off.

Wayne Rooney (Manchester United, 2017)

Wayne Rooney’s Manchester United exit unfolded with a sense of inevitability rather than celebration.

The club’s all-time leading scorer found himself marginalised under Jose Mourinho, reduced to sporadic appearances.

His final season lacked the narrative arc befitting a player of his stature and he was benched for the club's Europa League final win over Ajax in 2017.

Ultimately, after that match, Rooney quietely rejoined Everton 13 years after he'd left Goodison Park behind.

Gareth Bale (Real Madrid, 2022)

Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid exit was defined by detachment rather than celebration.

Despite delivering decisive contributions in multiple Champions League triumphs, Bale’s relationship with supporters and sections of the media deteriorated.

His final appearances were sporadic, and his departure passed without a grand Bernabéu send-off.

For a player who scored in two Champions League finals, the lack of recognition at the end highlighted the fractured nature of his Madrid legacy.

Carlos Tevez (Manchester City, 2013)

Carlos Tevez’s time at Manchester City ended under a cloud following disciplinary issues and a strained relationship with management.

Although he played a role in the club’s rise, including their 2012 title win, his exit lacked ceremony or appreciation.

Departing for Juventus in 2013, Tevez left without a proper goodbye to supporters.

Given his impact during a transformative period for City, the abrupt nature of his departure felt notably unsatisfying.

Cristiano Ronaldo (Manchester United, 2022)

Cristiano Ronaldo’s second spell at United ended in acrimony rather than adulation.

A sensational return in 2021 quickly soured amid tensions with Erik ten Hag and a controversial interview criticising the club.

United terminated his contract mid-season, meaning there was no farewell match, no Old Trafford goodbye.

Though the problems were of his own making, all parties were saddened by how things played out.

Mesut Ozil (Arsenal, 2021)

His eventual departure to Fenerbahçe came quietly, without a final appearance or fan acknowledgement.

For a player who delivered FA Cups and moments of rare brilliance, the lack of closure felt stark.

Iker Casillas (Real Madrid, 2015)

Iker Casillas’ departure from Real Madrid remains one of football’s most uncomfortable exits.

The legendary goalkeeper, a symbol of the club for over a decade, was effectively pushed out amid declining form and internal tensions.

His farewell press conference was notably subdued, even tearful, and initially conducted without senior club figures present.

For a captain who delivered multiple Champions League titles, the absence of a proper Bernabeu send-off felt deeply inadequate.