Robertson's Heartfelt Tribute to Salah as Liverpool Duo Prepare Summer Exit
When Jurgen Klopp first introduced his vision of heavy-metal football at Liverpool, Andy Robertson and Mohamed Salah quickly became instrumental members of the band. The two players arrived at Anfield within mere weeks of each other during the summer of 2017, both perfectly suited to thrive in Klopp's high-octane system.
With their boundless energy and blistering pace, Robertson and Salah seemed almost tailor-made to set the tone for Klopp's distinctive style of play. Nine years later, having secured every major honour at club level, this summer could witness both players bidding an emotional farewell to Liverpool.
Confirmed Departures and Contract Uncertainties
It was confirmed earlier this week that Salah will definitely leave the club when the season concludes. With Robertson's own contract set to expire at the end of the current campaign, he may well follow his teammate out the door.
The Scotland captain opened up yesterday, paying a heartfelt tribute to a player who has been not only a brilliant teammate and Premier League legend, but also a close personal friend away from the pitch.
"Mo and I have been close since day one, we signed in the same window in the same summer," said Robertson, who will lead Scotland against Japan at Hampden today. "He helped me right from when I first came in."
Early Struggles and Lasting Friendship
Especially during those initial days in 2017, when Robertson had signed from Hull City and initially struggled to break into the team, it was Salah who helped hammer home the belief that he truly belonged at that elite level.
"I signed from Hull and maybe didn't have as much belief in myself as I should have," Robertson admitted. "I saw myself in the early days as a Hull player playing against these lads instead of being a Liverpool player."
Robertson credited several senior players for helping his transition, including James Milner, Jordan Henderson, and Adam Lallana, but emphasized Salah's particular impact.
"They gave me the belief in what I could go on to achieve and Mo was a big part of that," he said.
Professional Dedication and Personal Bonds
"With Mo, every minute of every day is dedicated to football and that's why he's in peak condition," Robertson continued. "I'm not sure I've got a six-pack like him, although I've tried! He is in unbelievable condition, very rarely injured and looks after himself. That mentality, that's what you need to be at elite level."
The defender reflected on their shared journey: "We grew together. He became one of the best players in the world and it was great to sit back and watch him. His goals bailed us out of a hole so many times, he's been fantastic for the club and I don't think anyone will argue with that."
Their connection extended beyond the pitch: "Our families sit next to each other at Anfield and the kids have grown up together. We have been through a lot together, highs and lows, good times and bad times. To be able to call him a teammate but also a friend — and he's been a close friend of mine — it's an absolute privilege."
Legendary Status and International Ambitions
Robertson believes Salah deserves to be remembered among Liverpool's all-time greats, though he humorously noted that Kenny Dalglish still holds the top position in his estimation.
"I've probably ran out of words for Mo," continued the Scotland skipper. "He's a fantastic player and it's unbelievable what he's done for our club. Last season, he carried us on his back at times on his own. The numbers he produced were ridiculous."
"All good things have to come to an end and Mo has decided it will be this summer. I back him and support him on that and I don't think there's any doubt how much of a legend he is at Liverpool. He's in the conversation as one of the best to ever play for the club."
On the prospect of facing each other internationally, Robertson laughed: "We wanted a game together, we wanted Scotland to play Egypt. We always joked if I was at left-back and he was on the wing we'd be up against each other. We both have the same passion playing for our countries."
Scotland Commitment and Future Prospects
Robertson will earn his 91st cap this afternoon when Scotland begin their World Cup preparations against Japan at Hampden, moving him level with Jim Leighton in second place on Scotland's all-time caps list, with only Kenny Dalglish ahead on 102.
Steve Clarke's side will then face Ivory Coast at Everton's Hill Dickinson Stadium on Tuesday night as they build momentum toward their first World Cup finals in 28 years this summer.
Having been a Liverpool mainstay for nearly a decade, Robertson has found his game time more limited this season. Now 32 years old with his contract expiring in June, he could soon join Salah in bidding an emotional farewell to Anfield.
"Scotland duty has kept me going at times this season, I can safely say that," he admitted. "I obviously haven't played as much with Liverpool as I have in previous years. Especially at the start when we had games in September, October, November in the qualifiers, it was really important for me."
"We were playing in such big games. And for the likes of myself and John McGinn at our age, it might have been realistically our last chance to qualify for a World Cup. So it gave me something to focus on and be a part of. Everything went in our favour and it's been super-important for me."
As both players prepare for their next chapters, Robertson's tribute underscores the profound personal and professional bonds formed during Liverpool's most successful modern era under Jurgen Klopp.
