Few players' names can have been mentioned more during Liverpool FC press conferences over the last nine years than that of Mohamed Salah. And it was no different on Friday of last week, when Arne Slot was asked for an update on the star's fitness ahead of the trip to Brighton and Hove Albion.
Liverpool's manager was speaking two days after Salah put in a stellar performance at Anfield, helping the Reds overcome a 1-0 first leg deficit to overpower Galatasaray and book a place in the Champions League quarter-finals.
But the win, and Salah's display, came at a cost. The Egyptian left the field late in the game with an injury, and was ultimately ruled out of the game at the Amex Stadium - which Liverpool went on to lose 2-1.
In his pre-match press conference, Slot was quizzed about Salah's availability.
He said: "Unusual. As a result of that, I think you can expect the outcome. So, [he's] not available for tomorrow. The good thing for Liverpool and for us is that we go to an international break. The bad thing for Egypt is that he can't go there.
"We are hoping also with what Mo has shown in the past that he can recover faster than other players might in similar situations because he takes such good care of his body. History has shown that he can be earlier back than some others. But it's only two weeks when we go again so let's hope in that period of time he can be back."
The Reds this evening released a statement via social media platform X to confirm the news, after Salah's own social media video was posted. It said: "Mohamed Salah is to bring the curtain down on his illustrious career with Liverpool Football Club at the end of the 2025-26 season.
"The time to fully celebrate his legacy and achievements will follow later in the year when he bids farewell to Anfield."
In his own statement, Salah said: "This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season. "I wanted to start by saying that 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.
"We celebrated victory. We won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life.
"I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the team-mates past and present. And to the fans, I don't have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career and you stood by me in the toughest time. It's something I will never forget and something I will take with me always.
"Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will be always one of you. "This club will always be my home to me and my family. "Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone."
