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Ibrahima Konate said that he doesn't expect Mohamed Salah to leave Liverpool during the January transfer window.
Salah's comments in the Elland Road mixed zone last Saturday dominated the Premier League news agenda all week, leaving many wondering whether he would ever play for the club again.
After being left out of the traveling squad for the Champions League game against Inter Milan in midweek, Salah returned to the fold for the Premier League meeting with Brighton. Salah started the game on the bench but replaced the injured Joe Gomez in the first half, and produced one of his brightest performances of the campaign.
The Egyptian stayed out on the pitch following the final whistle for longer than any of his teammates, walking around the field and applauding the Liverpool supporters who were singing his name.
After the game, Reds center-back Konate spoke to French media and was asked whether he thinks Salah was saying good bye for good, he responded: “Personally no, I don’t think so. Today you saw how much he loves this club.
"What happened with him – you have to understand the frustration sometimes felt by players who have such a career, who have done so much.
"He is a player that everyone loves, the coach loves, he loves the coach, everyone loves each other at this club.”
Hugo Ekitike, a teammate of Konate for Liverpool and France, was also asked about Salah after a game in which Ekitike scored both of Liverpool's goals in a 2-0 win.
Neglecting to comment directly on the controversy that has surrounded Salah over the last week, Ekitike spoke of just how much he values the Egypt international.
"Mohamed is a great, great professional," Ekitike said. "I look to him as an example. You can see how much he is involved in goals and assists. He is a legend here. To share the pitch is a blessing. That's the kind of player who makes us like to watch football."
Salah assisted Ekitike's second goal of the game, which was scored when the Frenchman headed home from an inviting delivery from a corner.
"He gave me a great ball, I just had to be in a good place. It was easy to finish," Ekitike said. "I was looking for the hat-trick but it is going to be another time. It was good, two goals. We try to stick together and work together."
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