'We shouldn't act this way' - Liverpool star Mohamed Salah defends Real Madrid bound Trent Alexander-Arnold and sends message to Reds fans after Anfield boos

After months of speculation about joining Real Madrid, the 26-year-old announced his 20-year stay with Liverpool would end this summer. During the Reds' 2-2 draw with Arsenal last weekend, the England international was booed by a section of fans at Anfield - something that upset his team-mate Salah. The 32-year-old, who signed a new two-year deal with the club last month, believes Liverpool supporters "shouldn't act this way" and hopes the boos don't return in their final two games of the season.

When asked how much he will miss Alexander-Arnold, Salah told Sky Sports: "A lot. I love him, I think he deserves the best farewell. He's done a lot for the city, the club, and he was probably one of the best players in the club's history. He gave his all, and I think he needs a new challenge. He spoke to me about it, it's his decision for sure but he needs a new challenge. He is 26, he's won it all two or three times, what more can he do? He needs to go and challenge himself because people don't know about it much but he's [had] 20 years in a club. It's so tough mentally. I do love the place but I am going to the same place every day for 20 years. Mentally, you could get depressed. I wish him the best, I will always be in contact with him. I think he didn't deserve the fans being harsh with him, he deserves to be treated in the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans."

Asked if he was sad about the reaction the right-back got from Liverpool's fans last weekend, he replied: "Absolutely. I was surprised because this is not how we act as Liverpool fans. We shouldn't act this way with anyone. We always appreciate the people who come here, even for six months. Imagine someone giving their all for 20 years, it shouldn't be like this. I hope that will change next game against Brighton or the last game of the season because he deserves a farewell."

While some can understand Alexander-Arnold's decision to try his luck at arguably the world's biggest club, in Madrid, many Liverpool fans cannot comprehend the decision - especially after just winning the Premier League title. As Salah points out, he has won multiple trophies for his boyhood team, but that is not enough for some.

Alexander-Arnold's Liverpool take on Brighton on Monday and then round off the season against Crystal Palace next Sunday. It remains to be seen what reaction the defender will get in those games.