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Rio Ferdinand defends Mohamed Salah over contract stand-off with Liverpool
Rio Ferdinand has jumped to Mohamed Salah's defense during his contract standoff at Liverpool.
The Egyptian's contract expires at the end of this season and he recently claimed in a shocking interview that there have been no new offers to stay from Liverpool chiefs.
The 32-year-old forward gave a rare interview with Mail Sport and a small group of other reporters after scoring twice in the 3-2 win over Southampton, where he said he was 'more out than in' and criticized the club .
It drew criticism from the likes of club legend Jamie Carragher, who claimed Salah was being 'selfish' by expressing his frustration in public, but now Ferdinand has fought back.
Speaking ahead of Liverpool's match with Real Madrid on Wednesday night, Ferdinand said: 'He has not been disrespectful. He just states facts.
'As teammates you think: is he still with us? Mo Salah is scoring goals week in and week out (and he is). He wants to stay, but for a little more money.'
Former Real Madrid star Gareth Bale also weighed in as a pundit and agreed, claiming Salah probably wanted to get 'more money' in his deal.
Bale said: “We never bring those things up. It's always about training or general life. I can't imagine it will affect anyone.
'It's up to the people upstairs to sort it out with his agent. I'm sure he's just making noise to try and get more money, to be honest!'
Despite his public criticism, Salah remained in Liverpool's starting line-up for their clash against Spanish giants Madrid in the Champions League on Wednesday.
As reported by Mail Sport, Liverpool have rejected a lucrative £150 million bid from Saudi side Al-Ittihad in 2023. On that occasion the Reds could not compete with a whopping tax-free salary of £1.25m per week. club offer.
Salah said on Sunday about his contract break: 'We are almost in December and I have not yet received any offers to stay at the club.
'I'm probably outside more than inside. You know I've been at the club for years.
'There is no such club. But ultimately it's out of my hands. Like I said, it's December and I haven't received anything about my future yet.
'I love the fans. The fans love me. Ultimately it is not in my hands, nor in the hands of the fans.'
Furious Liverpool supporters branded the club's owners 'shameful' and 'unforgivable' after Salah's revelation.
Salah has started well this season under new manager Arne Slot, scoring twelve goals in eighteen games in all competitions.