'Not the whole story' - international media respond to bombshell Mohamed Salah contract comments

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has split opinion following his contract comments after his heroic display in the 3-2 win over Southampton. The 32-year-old scored twice as the Reds came from behind late on to move eight points clear at the top of the Premier League.

The Egyptian revealed his disappointment that Liverpool hadn't tabled an offer to extend his services with his contract expiring at the end of the season. Salah claimed that he is more 'out than in' as he enters the final six months of his current deal on Merseyside.

Jamie Carragher and John Aldridge were among the former Reds to speak out following Salah's post-match comments to reports at St Mary's. And the reaction has been equally mixed overseas. Salah has been the topic of interest from clubs overseas in recent years, including from the Saudi Pro League after they looked to bring him to the region during their recruitment drive in 2023.

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A verbal offer worth £150million was tabled by Saudi giants Al-Ittihad, which was rejected by Liverpool with 12 months remaining on his contract. Saudi Arabia journalist Waleed Al-Farraj tweeted: "I am surprised by the disappointment felt by the international star Mohamed Salah due to Liverpool's lack of interest in renewing his contract.

"There are no feelings, but rather mutual and temporary interests. You had a golden opportunity that you wasted last season due to emotional calculations. My advice to our great star is to leave Britain while you are a great star."

The post sparked debate on social media and former Egyptian footballer Yaser Elshanawany replied: "Could you please keep your advice to yourself?

"Since you have nothing to do with the Premier League and - sorry for the expression - you don't know anything about it, then you certainly can't give advice to a star of Salah's stature because he gets tired and does his job and knows what he's doing. It's natural for him to get upset, but this is a golden opportunity for you? All those who left have stopped hating."

Meanwhile Egyptian reporter, Hany Hathoot replied regarding Salah's comments: "Salah speaks from a position of strength, not weakness.

"He gives his best performance, the fans chant his name every game, he scored two goals and they took the lead. Emotion here is just a negotiating tool, it's not the whole story.

"It is clear that what is offered to him outside Britain is much more, so he wants a satisfactory solution."