Arne Slot voiced his gratitude to Mo Salah and Andy Robertson as a presentation was made to the departing Liverpool duo in their final training session with the club on Saturday.
Both players will bring the curtain down on their glorious Anfield careers this afternoon after nine years each on Merseyside, joining in 2017 and becoming integral figures in two Premier League title wins, a Champions League triumph and several other trophies along the way.
During the preparations for today’s match against Brentford – from which the Reds still need one point to guarantee Champions League qualification – the two players were presented with personal frames depicting their respective shirt numbers and special memories of their nine years with the club.
As the presentation was made, Slot addressed the squad and staff to give thanks to Salah and Robertson for everything they’ve contributed to Liverpool.
The head coach said (via Liverpool FC on YouTube): “We want to give you a present for the eight, nine years that you’ve given your soul and heart for this club.
“I want to thank you on behalf of every staff member because we have worked incredibly hard to put you in the position to perform, but in the end it always has to be the players who make the difference and the great memories, and that’s what the two of you did.
“The best of luck for you as a football player, but even more as human beings. Thank you.”
Want more Empire of the Kop coverage? Add us as a preferred source on Google to your favourites list for news you can trust
Anfield has become accustomed to emotional final-day send-offs to departing heroes in recent years, and the one for Salah and Robertson today will be among the most poignant.
What these two have given to the club since 2017 is nothing short of extraordinary. The Egyptian has become the third-highest scorer in Liverpool’s 134-year history with 257 goals, setting an assortment of individual records and winning multiple PFA Player of the Year awards.
Concurrently, the Scotland captain grew into arguably the world’s best left-back in his prime at Anfield, exerting a massive creative influence (69 assists) whilst endearing himself to supporters with his humility off the pitch and his unyielding will to win on it.
Salah and Robertson have been incredible ambassadors for LFC, with heartfelt tributes from the likes of Curtis Jones and Sir Kenny Dalglish perfectly capturing what they’ve brought to the club and how massive a legacy they’ve both left.
Slot’s popularity with Liverpool fans may have plummeted during this nightmare of a season, but his words about the departing duo were very much on point.
Amid the natural sentiment there’ll be at Anfield this afternoon, the Reds still have a crucial job to do. Let’s hope they can achieve that mission and give two bona fide legends the positive note on which they deserve to sign off their LFC careers.
You can view Slot’s words to Salah and Robertson below, via liverpoolfc on Instagram:
A post shared by Liverpool Football Club (@liverpoolfc)
Welcome to our Live Comments section, where new comments will appear automatically
Arne slot still got to leave. He may be a nice guy but Liverpool football club is too big for him. There is no point in retaining his services and sacking him in October or November. Fsg can simply agree the golden handshake and compensate slot after tonight.
We thank Slot for his time, effort, dedication and achievements while at Anfield, but it’s time for him to leave. We would appreciate new blood who can take the club forward and finish the next season amongst the top three. We have the quality to ensure that the supporters are kept happy. All the results will be different and we will accept it.
SLOT HAS LOST THE PLOT. Forget that 60 points this season is less than Jurgen’s first season, is less than any of Rodger’s seasons and less than Benitez last season. LFC are still mourning the loss of JOTA but more importantly, the culture of the club has not been maintained i.t.o. the standards set by Salah, Henderson, Milner and Wijnaldum. Those standards should have been replicated by Slot, but instead LFC have been through a season I would not like to see again. Time for change.
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
Notify me of follow-up comments by email.
Notify me of new posts by email.
