Exclusive: Liverpool Legend Rush Stresses “Grass Not Always Greener” Amidst Potential Salah Departure

Liverpool legend and record goal scorer Ian Rush has stressed the “grass is not always greener” amidst star striker Mo Salah’s potential exit from the club.

Egypt international Salah is one of several big names who are out of contract at Anfield this summer, including club captain Virgil van Dijk and England international Trent Alexander-Arnold.

This season he has already bagged 12 goals in all competitions and provided ten assists, yet again showing off his star quality for the Merseyside club.

But after the club’s battling 3-2 win over Southampton that sees them sitting pretty at the summit, the 32-year-old hitman provoked criticism and support in equal measure when he admitted: "We are almost in December, and I haven't received any offers yet to stay in the club. I'm probably more out than in".

Double European Cup winner Rush is a big admirer of Salah and would love him, van Dijk and Alexander-Arnold to stay, with rumoured offers for the trio from across the globe.

“Sometimes the grass is not always greener on the other side,” Rush told SportsBoom.com. 

“That’s what you’ve got to look at, Liverpool is such a magnificent club.”

“I left Liverpool to go to Juventus but was very lucky to get the chance to come back. I was very privileged.”

“Let’s see what happens, but at the end of the day all players leave or retire at some stage.”

“But for me I don’t think any of them want to leave Liverpool. Liverpool is such a big club, a special club with such special supporters.”

“I enjoy watching all of those players. I don’t know what’s going to happen, but the three of them have been fantastic for Liverpool.”

“Once the players buy into the club it’s so hard to leave. It’s such a magnificent club.”

SECOND CHANCE AT "SPECIAL" CLUB

Rush, 63, enjoyed two successful spells with the Reds, first between 1980-1986 and then from 1988-96 after his return from Italy.

The Wales international famously won five league titles with the club, as well as three FA Cups, five League Cup crowns, the Football League Super Cup, two Charity Shields and two European Cup titles, and the fans’ favourite would love more than to see the club win their first Premier League title since former manager Jurgen Klopp’s reign in the 2019-2020 season.

The Reds are flying high at the top of the Premier League after an impressive TEN victories from their opening 12 league games.

That sees Arne Slot’s eight points clear of defending champions Man City, with their rivals having surprisingly lost their last three league games in a row.

Earlier this week golden oldie Rush was honoured for his footballing achievements when he was awarded the Maurice Watkins CBE Lifetime Contribution Award at the North West Football Awards in Manchester.

The award was recognition for his extraordinary impact on football, both as a player and in his post-career contributions.

He scored an unmatched tally of 346 goals in 660 appearances for the Reds and was the first British player to win the European Golden Boot. Rush’s legacy continues to extend beyond his work on the pitch, as he now proudly serves as an LFC ambassador.

“I enjoyed getting recognised for my achievements, winning an award like this is very special,” reflected Rush. “It’s something I’m really proud out.”

“When you look at the previous winners of the award, well that makes it so special.”

“You’re never too late anything, so to get this award is great.”

“I keep going back to grass roots football. My first professional club was Chester, so to see so many people from lower league clubs getting the recognition they deserve is very humbling.”

“At the end of the day all those people who put so much hard work, and don’t get the recognition, they’re probably the true heroes.”