Following Liverpool’s 4-2 defeat to Aston Villa at Villa Park on Friday – a result that has left their Champions League qualification hanging by a thread – the Egyptian posted a lengthy statement on social media that was equal parts tribute, frustration and warning.
“I have witnessed this club go from doubters to believers, and from believers to champions,” Salah wrote. “It took hard work and I always did everything I could to help the club get there. Nothing makes me prouder than that.”
“Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve. I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies.”
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.”
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The words carry extra weight given the circumstances. Salah, who came off the bench in the 74th minute at Villa Park, has already confirmed he is leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. This may have been his final appearance in a red shirt. His statement reads like a farewell message and a challenge to those who remain.
“Winning some games here and there is not what Liverpool should be about. All teams win games.”
I have witnessed this club go from doubters to believers, and from believers to champions. It took hard work and I always did everything I could to help the club get there. Nothing makes me prouder than that.
Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and… pic.twitter.com/xsnD14QLTQ
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) May 16, 2026
The defeat was Liverpool’s 12th in the Premier League this season – their most in over a decade. They have taken just one point from their last nine available. Aston Villa leapfrogged them into fourth with the win, leaving Liverpool needing a result on the final day to secure Champions League football.
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“As I’ve always said, qualifying to next season’s Champions League is the bare minimum and I will do everything I can to make that happen.”
Salah’s post resonated far beyond the Liverpool fanbase. Among those who liked the statement on Instagram were current teammates Andrew Robertson, Milos Kerkez, Dominik Szoboszlai, Jeremie Frimpong, Curtis Jones, Harvey Elliott and Wataru Endo – as well as former captain Jordan Henderson.
The likes tell their own story. Those still at the club appear to agree with every word.
Photo: Catherine Ivill – AMA/Getty Images
