“Unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell,” Salah said. “I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.” He signed a new two-year contract just 10 months ago, but decided to leave Anfield after his weakest season in terms of output since arriving from Roma in 2017.

Salah added: “I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club. It’s a passion. It’s a history. It’s a spirit.

“I can’t explain it in words to anyone not part of this club. We celebrated victory. We won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life.”

Rumours have already spread over where Salah will play next season, after being heavily linked to the Saudi Pro League in recent years.

Ramy Abbas, who has represented Salah throughout his Liverpool career, said: “We do not know where Mohamed will play next season. This also means that no one else knows.”

Despite the Saudi Arabian league showing considerable interest, the unrest in the Middle East could be a factor when Salah weighs up his options for next season.

Salah emotionally opened up on his iconic time on Merseyside, saying: “We celebrated victory. We won the most important trophies. And we fought together through the hardest time in our life.

“I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the team-mates, past and present. And to the fans: I don’t have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career and you stood by me in the toughest times. It’s something I will never forget, and something I will take with me always.

“Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I always be one of you. This club will always be my home, to me and to my family.

“Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”