Klopp Backs Salah to Play Until 40 After Liverpool Exit Decision
Former Liverpool manager Jürgen Klopp believes Mohamed Salah still has many years left in football and could even continue playing until the age of 40.
Salah recently confirmed he will leave Liverpool FC at the end of the season, bringing an end to a remarkable spell at Anfield.
Klopp, who signed the Egyptian from AS Roma in 2017, praised the winger for his professionalism and dedication throughout his career.
Speaking to BBC Sport ahead of a Liverpool Legends charity match, Klopp said Salah has set new standards in football.
“Salah is an incredible professional,” Klopp said. “He set completely new standards for a professional football player – how hard you can work and how much you can invest in recovery.”
The former Liverpool boss added that he would not be surprised if Salah continues playing for several more years.
“I would not be surprised if he plays another six or seven years,” Klopp said. “I’m sad he is leaving, but he is an all-time great and I’m really proud to be part of his journey.”
Salah, 33, has scored 255 goals for Liverpool, placing him among the club’s greatest scorers, behind only Ian Rush and Roger Hunt.
During their time together, Klopp and Salah helped Liverpool win major trophies, including the Premier League, UEFA Champions League, FA Cup, League Cup, UEFA Super Cup and FIFA Club World Cup.
Klopp described their time at the club as special, saying both player and club were a perfect match.
“He knows this was the perfect club for him and he was the perfect player for us,” Klopp said. “The numbers he produced and the standards he set may not be matched again in the modern Premier League era.”
The German coach also revealed that despite occasional disagreements, he and Salah always maintained a strong relationship.
“We had our arguments, but it was always for the right reasons,” Klopp said. “Now we look back and we are both happy to have been part of that journey.”
Klopp believes Salah’s departure is the right decision for both sides, adding that the club will move forward while the player explores a new chapter in his career.
Liverpool Legends are set to face Borussia Dortmund Legends in a charity match at Anfield on Saturday, with Klopp part of the coaching team.
