Pep Guardiola shows true Mohamed Salah feelings after Liverpool exit announcement

Pep Guardiola and Man City with face Mohamed Salah as a Liverpool player for the final time this weekend with the Catalan underlining his legendary status in England

Pep Guardiola has declared Mohamed Salah "one of the greatest" as he gears up to face him as a Liverpool player for the final time this weekend.

The Manchester City boss has been trying to contain the Egyptian for almost the entirety of his time in England and will face him once more in the FA Cup. Salah has scored 13 times against City for Liverpool, making them his third-most favoured opponents.

He's won nine of his 25 games against them, but also enjoyed some of his most memorable moments. He lobbed Ederson from long range back in 2018 and, in 2021, scored one of his greatest solo goals as he waltzed through the City backline in a 2-2 draw at Anfield.

Guardiola has recognised the scale of his contribution, citing him as a legendary figure for Liverpool and the Premier League, as he prepares for another game against him.

He said: "One of the greatest. The numbers, the consistency… What a player. Incredible human being. Goals, assists… Absolute legend for Liverpool, and the Premier League, for all he has done. I think it’s a good moment to say goodbye to him in this country tomorrow. He deserves incredible recognition for what he has given to world football.”

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Guardiola has openly admitted that his battles with Jurgen Klopp's Liverpool side were the most challenging of his career. Salah was key to that with the City boss previously saying: "During our battles against Jürgen Klopp and Liverpool, Salah has always been the most powerful weapon. You might prepare for everything - controlling the game, holding possession - but in an instant, he can destroy you."

Salah penned a new contract at Anfield back in the summer, tying him down for two more years. But after an underwhelming season, his worst since he moved to Liverpool, the decision has been made to mutually cut ties once the summer comes.

It will bring the curtain down on almost a decade of individual brilliance. Salah leaves Liverpool as their third highest scorer and as the only man in history to be named the PFA Player of the Year three times.

It remains to be seen where he will end up amid talk of a move to Saudi Arabia. Equally there remains plenty of interest in America, but if he wants to leave with a trophy then the FA Cup is one of only two possible options alongside the Champions League. Salah has won the tournament only once, that back in 2022.

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