The end is fast approaching for Mohamed Salah at Liverpool
It didn't take long. Maybe a few hours, perhaps even only minutes, but inevitably, the acclaim for Mohamed Salah, tribute after tribute from far and wide coming together as one.
Eventually, they were all largely indistinguishable from one another. And that's because of, quite simply, Salah's greatness. He is a true giant of world football, one of the Premier League's finest imports, an Anfield titan and unique talent. To this reporter, he is a one-of-a-kind player, a generational genius.
For nine seasons, he has been outstanding - to the extent that you run out of superlatives.
Where do you want to stop? A clinical, innovative, multi-faceted finisher. A peerless provider of chances for others. Mentally and physically, a remarkably robust individual. A man whose style is as imposing as his statistics. Even his farewell announcement was a masterpiece of its kind.
Among Liverpool's pantheon of greats - and my word what a collection - there is no debate about his place. Perhaps there isn't in the pantheon of all footballers, full stop.
However, for all his greatness. For everything that he has done for Liverpool Football Club, there ARE questions to be asked.
What next for Salah? What next for Liverpool? What about the timing? And, simply, why?
“This is the first part of my farewell,” said Salah in his statement. For what he has done for the club, he is owed a long farewell, that is for sure. Only time will tell if his long farewell is a help or hindrance, at a time where Liverpool's season could still bring glory and silverware... but which could also still bring despondency.
Arne Slot's team potentially have as many as 15 games left to play. Salah's exit and the timing of this announcement could be a side issue that the Dutchman could do without.
Yes it's been revealed at the start of an international break. But when they return to action, it's straight into monumental fixtures, such as the FA Cup quarter-final at Manchester City and the two-legged Champions League quarter-final against Paris Saint-Germain.
Can Slot rely on Salah to be as laser-focused as he has been throughout his glorious Liverpool career? My guess is Slot CAN be sure.
They are almost 50 years apart and Salah's situation is very different, but you would not put it past Salah going out in the same way Kevin Keegan did.
Having long announced his departure, Keegan signed off with a starring role in the European Cup final win in Rome. That could be the scenario for Salah, only it would be in Budapest.That is a decision that Slot will have to make. He will need to be decisive.
Of the many questions, the broadest is the most intriguing. Why?
Does it suit Liverpool? Are they better without him? In his last game - particularly in the second half against Galatasaray - Salah looked on his way back to his irresistible best. And with him anywhere near that irresistible best, Liverpool are a better team with him.
They are losing a player who can still be a game-changer. And the bottom line is that Salah is walking out of the club a year before his contract ends. Would Liverpool be a better team next season if it had Salah in it? You can be almost certain it would.
Yes, he would be 34. But suggestions his 'legs are gone' are wide of the mark, because he looks as fit as ever and nobody works as hard, still, in the gym.
And if he was going to leave on a free transfer, why not hold him to his contract? Surely that would have been more advantageous to Liverpool.
For what he has done for the club - which is, arguably, as much as any other player in the club’s history - Salah deserves this very dignified and noble farewell. He deserves to leave on his terms.
However, whether that helps Liverpool at the crucial business end of this season and in 2026-27 remains to be seen.
Mohamed Salah will leave Liverpool at the end of the season and Fanatics has cut the price of this season's kits with 'M. Salah 11' printing.
