Rio Ferdinand defends Mohamed Salah over contract stand-off with Liverpool and insists Egyptian star has NOT ‘been disrespectful’ to the Merseyside giants
Rio Ferdinand has jumped to Mohamed Salah’s defense during his contract standoff at Liverpool.
The Egyptian’s contract expires at the end of this season and he recently claimed in a shocking interview that there have been no new offers to stay from Liverpool chiefs.
The attacker, 32, conducted a rare interview with Mailsport and a small group of other reporters after he scored twice in the 3-2 win over Southampton, where he said he was ‘more out than in’ and criticized the club.
It drew criticism from the likes of club legend Jamie Carragher, who claimed Salah was acting ‘selfishly’ by expressing his frustration in public, but now Ferdinand has fought back.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool’s match with Real Madrid on Wednesday night, Ferdinand said: ‘He has not been disrespectful. He just states facts.
‘As teammates you think: is he still with us? Mo Salah is scoring goals week in and week out (and he is). He wants to stay, but for a little more money.’
Mohamed Salah recently expressed his frustrations over his contract problems at Liverpool
Despite the recent backlash, Rio Ferdinand insists the Egyptian was not ‘disrespectful’
Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale was also employed by the expert that evening and agreed, claiming Salah probably wanted to get ‘more money’ in his deal.
Bale said: “We never bring those things up. It’s always about training or general life. I can’t imagine it will affect anyone.
‘It’s up to the people upstairs to sort it out with his agent. I’m sure he’s just making noise to try and get more money, to be honest!’
Despite his public criticism, Salah remained in Liverpool’s starting line-up for their clash against Spanish giants Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.
As reported by MailsportLiverpool turned down a lucrative £150m offer from Saudi Arabia’s Al-Ittihad in 2023. On that occasion, the Reds were unable to compete with a jaw-dropping £1.25 million-a-week tax-free salary offered by the club.
Salah said on Sunday about his contract break: ‘We are almost in December and I have not yet received any offers to stay at the club.
‘I’m probably outside more than inside. You know I’ve been at the club for years.
The 32-year-old forward gave a rare interview with Mail Sport and a small group of other reporters
Ferdinand was joined by Real Madrid legend Gareth Bale ahead of Liverpool vs Real Madrid
‘There is no such club. But ultimately it’s out of my hands. Like I said, it’s December and I haven’t received anything about my future yet.
‘I love the fans. The fans love me. Ultimately it is not in my hands, nor in the hands of the fans.’
Furious Liverpool supporters branded the club’s owners ‘shameful’ and ‘unforgivable’ after Salah’s revelation.
Salah has started well this season under new manager Arne Slot, scoring 12 goals in 18 games in all competitions, but has left his future on Merseyside up in the air.
