Patrick Vieira has criticised Mohamed Salah over recent comments made by the Liverpool forward about the club’s performances this season, warning that the remarks could affect the Egyptian’s long-term legacy at Anfield.
The former Arsenal FC captain said he was “very disappointed” by Salah’s public criticism following Liverpool FC’s 4-2 defeat against Aston Villa FC in the Premier League last Friday.
Salah reportedly wrote on the social media platform X that the football Liverpool have been playing this season was not worthy of the club’s stature, comments that quickly generated widespread debate among supporters and former players.
The Egyptian forward is expected to leave Liverpool at the end of the current campaign, with Sunday’s Premier League match against Brentford FC set to be his final appearance for the club.
Vieira Expresses Disappointment
Speaking in comments reported by the website “rousingthekop”, Vieira questioned both the timing and tone of Salah’s statements.
“I don’t think this is the right time. We understand the frustration, but this is inappropriate, and I am very disappointed by this comment,” Vieira said.
The former French international suggested that Salah’s remarks risk overshadowing his achievements at Liverpool, where the forward has established himself as one of the club’s modern-era greats.
“I don’t think Liverpool deserves this kind of comment. I think he should leave, and people should remember what he did for this club, because he was probably one of Liverpool’s best players in the last 30 or 40 years, and I think this kind of message will cast a shadow on his career with Liverpool, I think.”
Vieira’s criticism comes at a sensitive moment for Liverpool as the club prepares to part ways with one of its most influential players of the Premier League era.
Since arriving at Anfield, Salah has become a central figure in Liverpool’s success, helping the club compete for major domestic and European honours while breaking numerous scoring records.
Debate Over Salah’s Departure
Vieira also claimed Salah should have left Liverpool earlier and argued that the club’s management should have acted sooner regarding the player’s future.
According to Vieira, both Salah and Liverpool manager Arne Slot delayed a decision that could have prevented growing frustration around the situation.
“I think he reached a point where the best decision for him was to leave the club, and I think the Liverpool manager should have forced Salah to leave last year. I think he waited a whole year before leaving, and there is a lot of frustration.”
The comments have intensified discussion surrounding Salah’s final months at Liverpool and the manner in which his departure is unfolding.
Speculation over the forward’s future has continued throughout the season, with repeated reports linking him to opportunities away from England as he approaches the end of his time with the Reds.
Salah’s Liverpool Legacy Remains Significant
Despite Vieira’s criticism, Salah’s contribution to Liverpool remains widely recognised.
The Egyptian international has been one of the defining figures of the club’s recent history and has consistently been regarded among the Premier League’s leading players during his spell at Anfield.
His expected departure at the end of the season will close a major chapter for Liverpool, with supporters preparing to say farewell to a player who played a central role in the club’s success over recent years.
Attention will now turn to Sunday’s meeting with Brentford, where Salah could make his final appearance in Liverpool colours amid continued debate over both his future and his recent comments.
