Pep Guardiola already gave his verdict on Mohamed Salah's last Liverpool deal

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Mohamed Salah has confirmed he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season after nine years in the Premier League, with Pep Guardiola among those potentially relieved

Pep Guardiola's days of being savaged by Mohamed Salah are almost at an end(Image: Visionhaus/Getty Images)

Liverpool fans won't be alone in feeling disappointed about Mohamed Salah's departure from the Premier League for a new challenge this summer. However, Pep Guardiola might well be among those quietly breathing a sigh of relief at the exit of the Anfield icon.

The 33-year-old Salah confirmed on Tuesday night that his nine-year stint in England's top division will draw to a close in June. This is despite having another year left on his deal and being expected to mark a full decade on Merseyside. But Guardiola is probably not shedding tears over the news.

Salah has been the driving force behind Liverpool's success in recent seasons, which has, in turn, stopped Guardiola's Manchester City from reaching even greater heights during the same timeframe.

The City boss provided insight into his regard for Salah following the player's contract extension at Liverpool last year. It's commonplace for rival players or managers to praise footballers when they reach significant career moments like this.

However, there appeared to be more than a touch of frustration, perhaps even jealousy, in Guardiola's response: "That's good [for] Arne Slot and the fans of Liverpool. There's no doubt the quality of Mo Salah."

Any frustration wasn't particularly aimed at Salah or Liverpool, though. Instead, Guardiola's response seemed to suggest disappointment that his side would continue facing the Egyptian threat when he came so close to being rid of it.

Guardiola has developed a firm respect for Salah (and vice versa) over the years(Image: PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)

Guardiola was notably measured in acknowledging that Salah's new contract was beneficial for Slot and Liverpool's fanbase but not for the Premier League overall.

It's perhaps the highest compliment one can receive from arguably the most successful manager in the game's history. Guardiola not wanting to face you as an opponent any longer is a clear sign you're doing something right.

And one can hardly blame him, given Salah has scored 13 goals and provided another eight assists in 24 outings against City while at Liverpool (plus one more during his Chelsea days).

Salah found the net twice and laid on two assists in just two league encounters against City as Liverpool stormed to the title last season.

And the two rivals are scheduled to clash again on April 4 in the FA Cup quarterfinals. This could potentially be the last occasion Guardiola manages a side against Salah as the Egyptian prepares to leave Anfield. It's one chapter in his footballing career he may be keen to bring to a close.