Mohamed Salah found himself at the center of a light-hearted moment recently, joking about leaving Liverpool “for the money” during a casual chat with football legend Gary Lineker. The exchange took place while Lineker was visiting Liverpool’s training ground to interview manager Arne Slot.
🎙️ Gary Lineker Shares the Funny Story
Speaking on The Rest Is Football podcast, Lineker revealed his brief but memorable conversation with Salah, who is currently in the final six months of his contract at Anfield. The Egyptian star has been heavily linked with a free transfer to Saudi Arabia this summer, where a lucrative contract likely awaits.
“He’s a lovely guy,” Lineker said. “I spent ten minutes with him when I went to visit Arne Slot.”
When asked if Salah hinted at his future plans, Lineker admitted he didn’t get any exclusive insights. However, he did share a hilarious exchange that left everyone laughing.
🤣 The Cheeky Interaction
Lineker recalled Salah asking about his own playing career:
“He asked me, ‘How old were you when you finished?’ I told him, ‘Well, I finished in English football when I was 32, then I went to play in Japan for a couple of years.’”
Salah’s quick-witted response?
“Ah, you went for the money, did you?”
Lineker laughed and replied, “Well yeah, I suppose so.” Salah then grinned, added, “Yeah, I might do the same,” and cheekily winked at the press officer nearby.
“It was just a joke,” Lineker clarified, “but he’s got that cheeky sense of humor.”
⚽ Salah’s Contract Situation
While Salah’s joke was made in good fun, it comes at a time when his future at Liverpool is under serious speculation:
- Contract: Ends in summer 2025
- Potential Move: Strong links to Saudi Pro League clubs
- Liverpool’s Stance: New manager Arne Slot has expressed his desire to see Salah’s future resolved quickly, urging both the player and the club to find an agreement.
Despite the rumors, Salah remains a crucial part of Liverpool’s squad, consistently performing at the highest level.
🔑 What’s Next for Salah?
Though Salah’s joke was made in jest, it reflects the growing anticipation around what’s next for the Egyptian King:
- Stay at Liverpool? Negotiations could still result in a contract extension.
- Saudi Arabia Move? A record-breaking deal could tempt Salah, especially with the financial pull of the Saudi Pro League.
- Other European Giants? Don’t rule out interest from top clubs across Europe.
Regardless of where he ends up, Salah’s wit and charm—on and off the pitch—continue to win hearts.
