Football
Mohamed Salah hits back at ‘harsh’ Liverpool fans for booing Trent Alexander-Arnold
Mohamed Salah has called on Liverpool supporters to show respect and appreciation for Trent Alexander-Arnold as the defender prepares to leave Anfield at the end of the season.
Alexander-Arnold, whose contract expires this summer, has already reached an agreement to join Real Madrid on a free transfer. Reports suggest the Spanish club may offer a fee to secure his services in time for the Club World Cup in June.
The news of Alexander-Arnold’s departure has divided Liverpool fans, with emotions running high. During Liverpool’s recent 2-2 draw with Arsenal, some fans at Anfield voiced their disapproval by booing the England international as he came off the bench.
Salah, one of the team’s senior figures, expressed disappointment at the reaction and urged fans to recognize Alexander-Arnold’s long-standing contributions.
Speaking to Sky Sports, Salah emphasized that the right-back did not deserve the harsh treatment. “The fans were being harsh with him, I think he didn’t deserve it,” Salah said. “He deserves the fans to treat him in the best way possible because he gave it all to the fans.”
Salah admitted he was saddened by the reaction from a section of the crowd, describing it as out of character for Liverpool’s loyal fanbase.
“Absolutely. I was surprised, because it’s not how we react as Liverpool fans. We shouldn’t act this way with anyone.
We always appreciate the people that came here, even for six months. Imagine someone who gave you his all for 20 years—it shouldn’t be like this.”
He added that he hopes the mood changes in the remaining home fixtures, including the match against Brighton and the final game of the season, allowing Alexander-Arnold to receive the send-off he deserves. “I hope that will change in the next game because he deserves a farewell.”
When asked whether he tried to convince Alexander-Arnold to remain at the club, Salah said the decision was personal. “Look, again, it’s his decision.
I’m not trying to convince him to stay because I know his 20 years in a club is not easy. It’s just so tough. People think it’s easy to take a decision and just stay—it’s not.”
Salah praised Alexander-Arnold’s achievements and commitment to Liverpool, suggesting that a new chapter could be the right move for the 26-year-old. “I think he deserves the best farewell in leaving the club.
He’s done a lot for the city and for the club, and he was probably one of the best players in the club’s history. So he gave it 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.”
Reflecting on Alexander-Arnold’s lengthy tenure with the Reds, Salah highlighted the emotional and mental toll of spending two decades at one club.
“He’s 25, 26 years old, won it all twice or three times over, what more can he do? He just needs to change and challenge himself. People don’t know about it much, but he’s 20 years in the club—it’s so tough mentally for someone to be at a club that long.
People think it’s the place you love… yeah, I do love the place, but going every day to the same place for 20 years, mentally could get depressing.”
Salah concluded by expressing his support and friendship. “So I really wish him the best. I will always be in contact with him.”
Juventus are reportedly set to compete with Napoli for the signing of Manchester United winger Jadon Sancho this summer.
The 25-year-old is back at Old Trafford following a season-long loan at Chelsea, where he made a solid impact with five goals and 10 assists across 41 competitive appearances. He also found the net in Chelsea’s convincing 4-1 victory in last month’s Conference League final, though his efforts were not enough to convince the club to make the deal permanent.
Chelsea were initially expected to secure Sancho for £25 million as part of their loan agreement but ultimately chose to walk away from the obligation. As a result, they were required to pay Manchester United a £5 million penalty fee.
Despite being under contract with United, Sancho is not considered part of manager Ruben Amorim’s long-term plans. If he fails to secure a transfer in the coming weeks, the winger is expected to be left out of the club’s pre-season tour to the United States.
Juventus enter the race for Sancho
Napoli had previously emerged as the frontrunner for Sancho’s signature, with the player reportedly reaching a verbal agreement with the Serie A champions. However, a deal between Manchester United and Napoli has yet to be finalized.
According to Sky Sports News, Juventus have now entered the picture, exploring the financial and contractual terms of a potential move. The Turin-based side is seriously evaluating the opportunity to sign the England international, who has earned 23 senior caps.
Is Juventus the right fit for Sancho?
Juventus manager Igor Tudor is preparing for his first full season in charge after leading the team to a top-four finish last term. Known for deploying a 3-4-2-1 formation, Tudor’s system does not traditionally utilize wide wingers like Sancho.
If he joins Juventus, Sancho would likely compete for one of the two attacking midfield spots behind the main striker—a role that currently sees strong competition from Kenan Yildiz, Francisco Conceicao, and Nico Gonzalez. Unless one of these players is sold, Sancho might struggle to find regular playing time in Turin.
Napoli, on the other hand, could offer a more suitable environment for the former Borussia Dortmund star. With the club still looking to replace Khvicha Kvaratskhelia, who departed in January, Sancho may find more opportunities to thrive in his preferred position on the wing.
Nicolas Jackson endured a nightmare cameo as Chelsea collapsed in the second half against Flamengo during their FIFA Club World Cup clash, suffering a 3-1 defeat that puts their tournament hopes at risk.
Chelsea initially took the lead through Pedro Neto, whose composed finish through the goalkeeper’s legs gave the Premier League side a promising start. However, the momentum quickly shifted after the break.
Flamengo responded in ruthless fashion, netting twice in quick succession. Substitute Bruno Henrique capitalized on a defensive lapse to slot home from close range, followed by another back-post finish from Danilo that stunned the Blues and put the Brazilian side ahead.
Matters worsened for Chelsea when substitute Nicolas Jackson was shown a straight red card just four minutes after entering the pitch.
His dangerous challenge saw his studs connect with Lucas Ayrton’s shin, leaving the referee with little choice but to send him off immediately.
Flamengo sealed the win with a third goal, as Wallace Yan added the final blow to a chaotic second half that Chelsea will want to forget.
The result means Chelsea must now beat African side ES Tunis in their next match on Tuesday to progress to the last 16. However, finishing second in the group could set them up for a much tougher path, likely facing the winner of Group C, which may include Bundesliga heavyweights Bayern Munich.
Flamengo’s victory strengthens their bid to top Group D and extends the unbeaten run of South American teams in the Club World Cup’s newly expanded format.
Flamengo vs Chelsea Highlight
Monterrey secured their spot in this summer’s FIFA Club World Cup by winning the 2021 CONCACAF Champions League, now known as the CONCACAF Cup.
Fast forward four years, and the team returned to the international stage at the Rose Bowl with only one player from that title-winning squad still in the lineup: veteran goalkeeper Esteban Andrada. The club had not lifted any silverware since that 2021 triumph, which made what happened next even more unexpected.
In a surprising twist, Monterrey opened the scoring against Inter Milan in the 25th minute, as Sergio Ramos delivered a perfectly placed header.
The Spanish defender, who joined the Mexican outfit earlier this year on a one-year deal reportedly worth $4 million, had cited the Club World Cup as a major influence in his decision to sign. His goal sent the Monterrey fans into wild celebrations.
However, their joy didn’t last long. Inter’s star forward Lautaro Martínez—fresh off a World Cup win—responded with a close-range finish following a perfectly orchestrated set-piece.
The Argentine’s goal silenced the Rayados-dominated crowd and brought the game level at 1-1 before halftime.
The second half saw both teams tighten up defensively, limiting each other’s chances as the game wore on.
Inter, still recovering from a heavy defeat to Paris Saint-Germain in last month’s UEFA Champions League final, looked eager to reassert themselves. But it was Monterrey who rose to the occasion, matching their European opponents stride for stride and leaving the pitch with their heads held high after a gritty performance.
Monterrey 1-1 Inter Milan Highlights
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