Mohamed Salah has revealed that his daughter Makka’s wish to remain in Liverpool played a significant role in his decision to extend his contract with the club. The Egyptian forward has put an end to speculation about his future by agreeing to a new deal, which is anticipated to keep him at Anfield until 2027.
Salah’s previous contract with Liverpool was set to expire in June. However, he will now stay on to compete for more silverware after this season, with Arne Slot’s team well on their way to securing the Premier League title.
“They feel at home,” Salah shared with the club’s media, describing his family’s response to his decision. “They were very happy, [wife] Magi and the kids, they were very happy that we’re staying another two years. It feels like home so everyone was happy.
“I think Makka was the happiest one in the family, she wanted us to stay. Of course we all wanted to stay but Makka because her friends are here and the school. It was a very good vibe after the moment that I signed.”
Reflecting on his tenure at Anfield, he said: “It’s great, I had my best years here. I played eight years, hopefully it’s going to be 10. Enjoying my life here, enjoying my football. I had the best years in my career.”
Liverpool boss Slot expressed his delight at the news. “I am happy, of course,” he told journalists on Friday.
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“[Salah] has shown for so many years in a row how much value he has to the club, like all the fans and the team-mates they are very happy he has extended for two more years.
“Relief? For the fans I think so. It’s no surprise to you I knew a bit better how the contract situation went. I knew a bit longer things were heading in the right direction. It is a big compliment to Richard Hughes because Mo Salah, as a free agent, can go to any club he wants to.”
Salah played a crucial role in Liverpool’s long-awaited Premier League title win in 2020. He finished the season as the team’s top scorer.
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However, the celebrations were dampened by the Covid-19 pandemic. Winning another league title this season remains a top priority for the forward.
When asked about his strong desire for another Premier League title, Salah explained: “Probably because last time we didn’t celebrate it the way we wanted.”
With a significant 11-point gap between Liverpool and Arsenal, and only seven games left, it would take a remarkable turn of events for the Reds to miss out on the title this season.
“I think we owe that to the fans,” he added. “They deserve it, they deserve to enjoy it after that long time, with celebrating at Anfield and in the street and just enjoying ourselves winning the Premier League.”
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story. You can read the original story in the Mirror by clicking here.
