Wayne Rooney has accused Mohamed Salah of disrespecting Liverpool FC and harming his own legacy following comments the forward made about his situation at the club.
Salah recently claimed he had been “thrown under the bus” and said he had no relationship with manager Arne Slot after being left on the bench during the 3–3 draw against Leeds United. He has now been omitted from the starting lineup for three consecutive matches during the team’s poor run of form.
Speaking to BBC, Rooney questioned Salah’s decision to go public:
“Why would you say something like that? Salah has been unbelievable for Liverpool, and usually keeps to himself. But what he said was disrespectful to his teammates, his manager, and the fans.”
Rooney added that Salah has not been at his best this season and that Slot is justified in leaving him out if he feels the forward is underperforming.
“He’s been one of Liverpool’s biggest players for years. You’d expect him to fight for his place. Suggesting he doesn’t need to earn it shows arrogance.”
Rooney said he believes Salah now has two options: speak to Slot privately and repair the situation, or leave the club altogether. He warned that the controversy is “destroying a legacy that could have been massive.”
With the forward set to leave for the Africa Cup of Nations on December 15 to play for Egypt national football team, Rooney suggested the timing of Salah’s remarks was intentional.
Rooney urged Slot to leave the player out of the upcoming Champions League trip to face Inter Milan, saying the manager must assert his authority.
Salah, who joined Liverpool FC from AS Roma in 2017, has scored 250 goals in 420 appearances. Despite signing a contract extension earlier this year, he has struggled this season, scoring only four times in 13 league matches.
Rooney said that players often look for excuses when their performances decline, adding that Salah may one day regret his outburst.
He recalled his own experience with José Mourinho at Manchester United, explaining that he resolved his frustration over playing time through a direct and private conversation rather than public criticism.
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