Mohamed Salah reveals he expected to leave Liverpool before surprise extension

Speaking to Gary Neville in a Sky Sports interview ahead of Liverpool's clash with Brighton, the Reds star opened up about his mindset at the start of the season and how surprised he was to eventually extend his stay at Anfield, as reported by KingFut.com.

"Based on the club's history—10 percent," Salah said when asked to give a confidence rating on staying at Liverpool.

"Yeah, because I knew the philosophy of the club. I'm not attacking them, I just know how they deal with players over 30. I knew what the situation would be."

Salah revealed that although the contract negotiations eventually led to a positive outcome, he had mentally prepared for a departure.

"I didn't expect the club to offer two more years. We reached a point with the money where we were all happy. But honestly, I didn't expect to stay. In my head, I wasn't staying."

The 31-year-old also shared an emotional message regarding teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold, who is expected to leave in the upcoming transfer window.

"I told Trent not to look me in the eye when he says goodbye, because I love him so much," Salah said, reflecting on the bond the two have built over the years.

Despite fans booing Alexander-Arnold during Liverpool's match against Arsenal, Salah defended the fullback's legacy and decision to move on.

"He deserves the best possible farewell from the club. He's done a lot for the city and the club. He was probably the best homegrown player in the club's history, and now he wants a new challenge," he added.

"That's his decision. He's 26 years old and has won the league twice. What more could he have done? He needs a change and another challenge. People don't realize it."

Salah recently signed a new two-year contract that will see him remain at Liverpool until at least the summer of 2027, marking what will be a decade of service at Anfield.