‘The day has come’: Mohamed Salah announces departure from Liverpool after 9 historic years | VIDEO

London: Mohamed Salah, the prolific forward who became a cornerstone of Liverpool’s modern era, announced on Tuesday that he will depart the club at the conclusion of the current season, ending his tenure a year earlier than his contract stipulated.

The 33-year-old Egyptian international, who has tallied 255 goals in 435 matches for the Premier League champions, reportedly "reached an agreement" to exit Anfield this summer. The announcement marks the conclusion of a historic nine-year run that saw Salah evolve into one of the most decorated scorers in the history of English soccer.

"Unfortunately the day has come," Salah stated in an Instagram post released simultaneously with a six-paragraph tribute from the club. "I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit. I can’t explain in words to anyone not part of this club."

A Remarkable Legacy

Since arriving from Roma in 2017, Salah has secured eight major trophies, including two Premier League titles and a Champions League trophy. Initially part of a legendary attacking trio alongside Sadio Mane and Roberto Firmino, Salah currently ranks third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list, trailing only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.

Liverpool described the winger as “one of the greatest players in Liverpool’s history,” characterising his stint at Anfield as “remarkable.” The club noted that Salah sought "to provide transparency about his future due to his respect and gratitude" for the supporters.

Internal Tensions and Performance

Despite his accolades, Salah’s final campaign has been shadowed by a dip in form and public friction. Following a period late last year where he was sidelined from the starting lineup, Salah claimed in an impromptu interview that the club "has thrown me under the bus."

The tension peaked in December when, after being left as an unused substitute against Leeds, Salah remarked, "I think it is very clear that someone wanted me to get all of the blame." While he regained favour under manager Arne Slot following the Africa Cup of Nations, he has struggled to replicate the elite production of his prime.

The Final Chapter

Salah is currently sidelined with a muscle injury sustained during a Champions League fixture against Galatasaray last week. Liverpool officials emphasised that the player remains "firmly focused on trying to achieve the best possible finish" before a full celebration of his legacy takes place later this year.

The announcement did not specify Salah’s next destination. Because he is departing by mutual agreement, he will leave as a free agent, potentially depriving Liverpool of a transfer fee. He was previously the subject of a massive bid from the Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad in 2023, which the club rejected at the time.

Teammates quickly paid tribute to the departing star. Defender Andrew Robertson praised Salah's work ethic on social media, noting his “mentality is second to none" and adding, "You deserve a send off that reflects your status at LFC — the greatest."

Liverpool’s final home game of the Premier League season is scheduled for May 24 against Brentford.

With inputs from AP