Mohamed Salah has at last responded to years of suspicion about his relationship with ex-teammate Sadio Mane.
The Liverpool icon acknowledged in a one-on-one interview that there had been tension between them, but he made clear that their professional dedication to Liverpool stayed unchanged.
“Yes, there was tension with Sadio,” the playmaker revealed to L’Equipe.
“Mind you, we were professional until the end, I don’t think it affected the team. It’s human to want more, I understand that, he’s a competitor.
“Off the pitch, we weren’t very close, but we always respected each other.”
What did the report say about them?
Years of discussion on the Salah-Mane dynamic have centered on a book published last year indicating their relationship had become worse over time.
The Senegalese apparently thought his African brother was “selfish,” a statement that generated great guess among supporters and the press both.
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Salah rejected these accusations, though, and insisted he had always put the success of the club before personal honor.
How did Salah react to the allegations?
The Egypt international sure emphasized his history of helping the Senegalese talisman during their Anfield stay in reaction to the claim of being self centered.
He added: “I don’t care. People can think what they want, it’s their right.
“But I invite everyone to note that the person who provided Mane with the most assists is me.”
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The ex-Roma striker gave the Al-Nassr forward 31 assists across all competitions during their 2017–2022 Liverpool run. As a result, the Egyptian became the teammate who helped Mane the most throughout that period.
“We can look at the facts, but it’s obviously easier to throw out phrases like that; it makes the headlines, I know how it works.
“As long as it remains within the limits of respect, that’s fine with me. But that doesn’t mean that this opinion is true. At the end of the day, I know what I did, and my conscience is clear.”
What is the duo’s Liverpool legacy?
Notwithstanding any apparent conflict, both African players were among the most deadly attacking pair in European football during their stay at the Merseyside outfit. Together, the Reds won several titles including the FA Cup, Club World Cup, Champions League, and Premier League.
READ MORE: Salah shines as Liverpool win 20th league title
The 32-year-old’s remarks imply that although their personal relationship may not have been the closest, their team never wavered in mutual respect and dedication. For supporters of Liverpool, the club’s recent golden era will always be attributed in large part to their on-field collaboration.
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