Gary Lineker hides nothing with reaction to Mohamed Salah's bombshell exit post

Mohamed Salah has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years at Anfield, with Gary Lineker thanking the Egyptian icon for his contribution to English football

Gary Lineker was full of praise for Mohamed Salah(Image: JMEnternational, Getty Images)

Gary Lineker expressed gratitude to Mohamed Salah for "everything that you've done for English football" following the Liverpool legend's confirmation that he will depart the Reds at the end of the current season.

The Liverpool attacker will bring the curtain down on his illustrious Anfield spell at the campaign's end, concluding nine years at the club, throughout which he cemented his status as a contemporary Premier League icon.

In a statement published on Tuesday evening, Salah said, "Unfortunately, the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

"I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club, it's a passion, it's a history, it's a spirit. I can't explain in words to anyone not part of this club."

"We celebrated victory, we won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life.

"I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the teammates past and present. And to the fans, I don't have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career and you stood by me in the toughest times. It's something I will never forget and something I will take with me always.

Mohamed Salah has announced his exit from Liverpool(Image: Alex Pantling - UEFA, UEFA via Getty Images)

"Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will be always one of you. This club will always be my home to me and to my family. Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone."

Former England captain and Match of the Day host Lineker responded to the announcement on The Rest is Football X account, sharing a video message of gratitude to Salah.

"News has broken that Mohamed Salah will leave at the end of the season. Nine years at Liverpool and what a nine years it's been, and he's been a phenomenon," Lineker said.

"Unbelievably brilliant footballer. Two league titles, Champions League, two League Cups, FA Cup, Super Cup and of course the Club World Cup as well.

"He scored so many goals, it's been so consistent for such a long period of time and I'd just like to say thank you, Mo, for everything that you've done for English football, in particular, the Premier League and of course for Liverpool.

"You've been a credit to our sport, it's been great having you here and wish you all the very best in the future, whatever that will bring."