“I left Liverpool for a specific reason – Mohamed Salah shouldn’t follow my example.”

Anfield legend Ian Rush has emphasized that Mohamed Salah has no reason to consider leaving Liverpool, drawing from his own experiences of departing the club twice during his career.

Rush, who remains Liverpool’s all-time top scorer, left the Reds for Juventus in 1987, only to return after one season due to homesickness. His second departure in 1996, to Leeds United, came after his desire for regular playing time, as younger forwards like Robbie Fowler and Stan Collymore were thriving. Reflecting on his decisions, Rush told the Echo last year:

“I’d love Salah to extend his contract. When I left, it was because I wasn’t playing regularly. I wanted to play week in, week out, and that’s why I moved. But Mo’s situation is different—he’s not sitting on the bench, so there’s no real reason for him to leave.”

Now 32, Salah remains in top form and ranks third on Liverpool’s all-time scoring list, though still far from surpassing Rush’s record. With his contract nearing a pivotal point, speculation about his future is growing, as clubs abroad will soon be able to negotiate with him.

At the Northwest Football Awards last month, Rush reiterated his hope that Salah stays, telling the Mail: “Me and Mo speak often. People speculate about his future, but I just enjoy watching him play. He’s a special player—someone you can’t replace. Everyone wants him to

stay.”