Mohamed Salah hit back at Jamie Carragher after the Liverpool legend suggested the forward and Trent Alexander-Arnold should follow Virgil van Dijk’s lead
Mohamed Salah hit back at Jamie Carragher‘s latest criticism of his his ongoing contract dispute with Liverpool by suggesting the former Reds defender is “obsessed” with him.
At 32 and with his contract up for renewal, Salah’s future remains a topic of intense speculation – fuelled by his remarks on the topic – despite his stellar performances, which include netting his 21st season goal in a thrilling 2-2 draw with Manchester United on Sunday. Yet, Salah isn’t alone in facing an unknown future at Liverpool.
His team-mates, Virgil van Dijk, 33, and Trent Alexander-Arnold, 26, are also in the last six months of their contracts. Sky Sports pundit Carragher has previously labelled Salah “selfish” for discussing his career plans so openly and suggested that Real Madrid’s approach for Alexander-Arnold may have been spurred by signals from the player’s representatives.
Prior to his appearance on Sky Sports’ Monday Night Football, Carragher said both Salah and Alexander-Arnold could emulate Van Dijk’s dignified approach to contract matters. Carragher had heaped praise on the Dutchman, suggesting he has lived up to his role as captain of the team, reports the Mirror.
Carragher, 46, said: “You know what I would say? I would say Virgil van Dijk has come out of this whole situation this season, as the captain of the club, in a higher esteem. The way he’s conducted himself, his performances on the pitch, the way he’s led the team, the way he was yesterday as well, and he hasn’t got involved in too much around this.
“It’s obviously a really important time for all three players, we know that, but I think rather than speak about Trent Alexander-Arnold or Mo Salah, I’d probably like to pay tribute to Virgil van Dijk. I think he’s come across as a real statesman with the way he’s handled it.
“He’s been asked questions, he’s knocked it away, he’s here to win the league, he wants to do his utmost for Liverpool, and fingers crossed he signs. I think the other two could maybe look at Virgil van Dijk and take a leaf out of his book.”
In response, Salah took a playful jab on X, posting: “I’m starting to think you’re obsessed with me,” accompanied by a wink. Carragher responded with a dose of humour, saying: “I’ve always been obsessed with you. Hopefully that obsession will continue next season.”
Carragher was asked by Sky Sports for his opinion on Salah’s post and suggested the Egyptian forward may stay on Merseyside after all. He said: “Yeah, I mean, I have got a Mo Salah obsession. I don’t think it’s the type of obsession that he thinks it is! It’s more of a footballing obsession and watching him in a red shirt.
“But, I mean, I come on – I get asked a question, I answer as diplomatically as I possibly can. I think, ‘I’m not going to criticise Mo Salah or Trent Alexander-Arnold, I’m going to rave about how Virgil van Dijk handled it.’ And I get myself in all kinds of trouble again!”
Carragher continued: “That does give me a little bit more confidence. He’s building bridges, he’s put the winky emoji, he’s trying to get on my good side isn’t he?”