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Mohamed Salah has declared that his Liverpool teammate Andy Robertson has secured his place in the club's history, following confirmation that the left back will also leave at the end of the season when his contract expires.
"The closer it gets, the more questions start coming your way," Robertson said. "I've always believed the supporters are the most important people at this club, and I feel now is the right moment to let them know what's happening — that this will be my final season here.
"I think it's better to have it out in the open, so I can now fully concentrate on the team through to the end of the campaign. That's always been my approach and it's important I stick to it. But the moment for an emotional send-off — to tell the fans and everyone connected to this club what they truly mean to me — that will come nearer the end.
"I don't think I'm quite ready for that just yet. This is simply about getting it out there so I can be open and honest with everybody."
It was Robertson who led the tributes when Salah's own departure was announced several weeks ago, and now the Egyptian has returned the gesture.
Salah: 'You Leave As a Legend'
"With these photos capturing the bond we built, I almost thought I could get away with saying nothing about you going," Salah wrote on social media alongside several images of the pair taken across their nine years together.
"It has been a privilege to be your teammate and your friend. You've achieved everything this game has to offer and you leave as a legend. I'm certain our paths will cross again."
Robertson's response was brief but heartfelt: "Been one hell of a journey, my friend."
Robertson Leaves Verdict to the Fans
"I'll leave it to others to decide whether I'm a Liverpool legend or not — and if you know me well enough, you'll know I'll never accept that label myself," Robertson told the club's media team.
At the time of his announcement, Robertson ranks 36th on Liverpool's all-time appearances list with 373 games to his name. He could still move up a few spots before the season concludes, even though reduced playing time under Arne Slot has played a part in his decision to move on.
Across nine seasons at Anfield, Robertson has collected two Premier League titles, two League Cups, one FA Cup, one UEFA Super Cup, one Community Shield, one Club World Cup and the 2018–19 Champions League. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest transfer bargains in English football history, having joined from Hull City for just £8 million (approximately $10 million at the time).
"From the very first minute I walked through the doors of this football club, I wanted to succeed," Robertson continued. "I wanted to help bring trophies back and restore Liverpool to the level I always believed it deserved. I'm incredibly proud to have been part of remarkable teams that were able to do exactly that.
"This club means everything to me. The people here mean the world to me. The fans have always embraced me. I still remember my debut against Crystal Palace — I was a relative unknown, signed from Hull City for just £8 million. I played that game and the Kop had already started singing my name. It was a moment I could barely believe. Then for the next three months I barely got a look-in, which I remind Jürgen [Klopp] about quite regularly!
"When I eventually got my opportunity, it was that early support that kept me going. And once I had my chance, all I wanted was to make the people at this club and the supporters proud of the left back they were watching week after week. They have been absolutely incredible with me — always backing me, always so positive.
"I couldn't have asked for a better set of supporters. I couldn't have asked for better people at the training ground keeping me motivated. When I look back on these nine years, it'll be with a huge smile on my face.
"I do get emotional at times. Now isn't one of those moments, but saying goodbye to everyone will be hard. Still, the time has come, and it's also something worth celebrating — nine wonderful years we've all shared together."