Mohamed Salah has called for Liverpool to rediscover their identity as a "heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear," as he prepares to leave the club this summer after nine trophy-laden seasons and over 250 goals.
The Egyptian forward's comments come in the wake of Liverpool's disappointing 12th Premier League defeat of the season, a 3-1 loss to Aston Villa on Friday that has left fans frustrated and the club's Champions League hopes hanging by a thread.
In a heartfelt statement on social media, Salah reflected on Liverpool's remarkable journey under Jurgen Klopp, from doubters to believers and ultimately champions. But he made it clear that the current squad has fallen short of those standards.
"Nothing makes me prouder than that. Us crumbling to yet another defeat this season was very painful and not what our fans deserve," Salah wrote. "I want to see Liverpool go back to being the heavy metal attacking team that opponents fear and back to being a team that wins trophies."
The 32-year-old emphasized that this attacking philosophy should be non-negotiable for anyone who pulls on the famous red shirt. "That is the football I know how to play and that is the identity that needs to be recovered and kept for good. It cannot be negotiable and everyone that joins this club should adapt to it."
Salah, who is set to leave Anfield when his contract expires, stressed that merely winning occasional games isn't enough for a club of Liverpool's stature. "All teams win games. Liverpool will always be a club that means a great deal to me and to my family. I want to see it succeed for long after I have moved on."
With Champions League qualification still mathematically possible, Salah remains focused on finishing the season strong. "Qualifying to next season's Champions League is the bare minimum and I will do everything I can to make that happen," he added.
For fans and players alike, Salah's words serve as both a rallying cry and a reminder of the standards that made Liverpool one of Europe's most feared sides. As the club prepares for a new era without its Egyptian King, restoring that heavy metal identity will be the ultimate challenge.