Former Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has ignited a debate by suggesting Mohamed Salah should be excluded from Liverpool’s squad for their final Premier League match of the season against Brentford at Anfield, according to BBC Sport. Rooney’s strong comments stem from what he perceives as “selfish” behaviour and a lack of respect from the Egypt international towards incoming manager Arne Slot.

Speaking on The Wayne Rooney Show, the ex-England captain drew parallels to his own contentious departure from Manchester United. “If I was Arne Slot, I’d have him nowhere near the stadium in the last game,” Rooney stated. “I had it with Alex Ferguson. I had a disagreement and fallout and at Alex Ferguson’s last game at Old Trafford, he left me out of the squad for that reason.” Rooney further opined, “I think Salah’s trying to vindicate himself and make himself feel better because he’s had a very poor season.”

Rooney’s criticism follows a social media post from Salah after Liverpool’s recent 4-2 defeat at Aston Villa, a result that cast doubt on their Champions League qualification hopes. In the post, Salah called for Liverpool to revert to being a “heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear,” a comment widely interpreted as a direct slight against Slot, who is set to take the helm. Salah’s full statement read: “That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good. It cannot be negotiable and everyone that joins this club should adapt to it.”

Salah’s impending departure and a challenging season

The controversy comes as Salah, 33, prepares to leave Anfield at the end of the season, a decision he announced back in March. His relationship with head coach Slot was reported to have broken down in December, according to Salah himself.

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This season has been a challenging one for Salah and Liverpool. While he has scored 12 times in 40 games, a significant drop from his usual prolific output, the defending champions are currently languishing in fifth place in the Premier League. This disappointing title defence has undoubtedly piled pressure on manager Slot.

Salah’s nine-year tenure at Liverpool has been nothing short of legendary, marked by:

257 goals scored

Six major trophies, including a Premier League title

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A record four Premier League Golden Boot awards

However, Rooney’s recent intervention suggests that despite his illustrious past, Salah’s current actions could overshadow his farewell.

Sources: www.bbc.com

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