Roberto Firmino, James Milner, Naby Keita, and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain are all leaving Liverpool at the end of the season, and Mohamed Salah has paid tribute to his teammates
Mohamed Salah expressed hope that “our paths will cross again” in a touching tribute to his departing Liverpool teammates, including long-time strike partner Roberto Firmino.
Firmino, a Brazilian forward, will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after eight years with the club. Following the sale of Sadio Mane last summer, Salah is the last man standing in the Reds’ heralded front three, which has helped bring them so much success in recent years.
In addition to Firmino, vice-captain James Milner is leaving, as are fellow midfielders Naby Keita and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. After Liverpool’s final home game of the season on Saturday, all four players were feted in what felt like the true end of an era, with Salah now paying his own personal tribute on social media.
One of the best things about football is that we get to meet and share moments with great people. Bobby, Milly, Ox, and Naby, will be missed and I hope our paths will cross again. pic.twitter.com/4bggjp6YxH
— Mohamed Salah (@MoSalah) May 24, 2023
Salah tweeted a photo of himself with each of the four departing players, saying, “One of the best things about football is that we get to meet and share moments with great people.” Bobby, Milly, Ox, and Naby will be missed, and I hope to see them again.”
All four players’ contracts expire this summer, but their futures are unknown. While Salah only signed a new contract last summer, Firmino’s has been allowed to run until the end of the season, with the 31-year-old admitting ahead of Saturday’s draw with Aston Villa: “It is, unfortunately, time. The cycle here has ended, and I realize it is time for me to leave.
“I am extremely proud of everything I have accomplished here with the team, as well as the beautiful history we have created together.” I am extremely pleased. I don’t know if I’ll be able to return one day, but it’s time for me to leave.”
Firmino has been linked with a move to Barcelona, as well as MLS and his home country of Brazil. As part of his farewells, he hosted a party at Anfield on Sunday night for teammates and staff, and he gave each attendee a box containing a signed shirt.
During his speech at the event, Klopp heaped praise on Firmino, telling him: “You are so football smart, in training sessions you are the first to get [understand] the exercise.” It’s as if you’ve seen it before: ‘Ah, okay, go for it’. It’s truly unique, and it shapes you into the player you are, with all of the technical aspects, but your football brain is incredible. That is all good and makes you happy.
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