Ian Rush has said he is not concerned about Mohamed Salah taking his record as Liverpool’s all-time scorer and instead claimed he is just pleased to see his former side impressing.
Salah has moved up to third place on the Reds’ list of all-time top scorers, behind first-place Rush and Roger Hunt in second. Salah has scored 244 Liverpool goals and there were fears earlier this season that he would permanently remain in that position given the uncertainty surrounding his future.
But confirmation earlier this month that he has penned a pen deal and, assuming he sees out the length of his contract, will remain at Anfield for another two years. Given he is just 41 goals behind Hunt, it’s likely Salah will overtake the ex-striker at some point next season.
As for catching up on Rush’s all-time record, that looks a little more daunting. The Welshman is 102 goals clear of Liverpool’s current no.11, so it would take two astronomical scoring seasons to catch Rush’s 346 goals.
It’s no surprise, he’s not too concerned at this stage, and Rush said in a recent interview he is just delighted to see Salah firing Liverpool to more success.
“Records are there to be broken, and I’m delighted he’s breaking them as it means the team is doing well,” the former forward told the Irish Examiner. “The most important thing when breaking records is to make sure the team is winning trophies. He’s already a legend. He’s one of the greatest players to ever play for Liverpool.
“When I see Salah scoring, I’m not worried about my record. I’m celebrating like every Liverpool fan. The team always comes first.”
(Image: (Photo by Mark Leech/Offside via Getty Images))
Asked if could choose to play alongside one current player, Rush’s answer was inevitable. “If I was playing now, I’d love to play with Salah,” he replied. “His pace, movement and goalscoring – I think we’d link up really well. He drags defenders out of position and I’d thrive on the space he creates.”
It’s not the first time Rush has said he is not concerned about his record, and claimed last month it could take Salah three more years rather than two to match his tally.
“No, without a doubt [I want Salah to stay],” the 63-year-old told Amazon Prime last month, before the news of a contract extension had been confirmed. “I’m a great believer that records are there to be broken, but you’ve go to be winning trophies. I’m a good friend of Mohamed as well, so if you do it, make sure you’re winning trophies.”
