Salah drops yet another hint about leaving Liverpool

MOHAMED SALAH beat Manchester City again – and then dropped a hint he will leave Liverpool for the FOURTH time this season.

The Egyptian striker scored a huge win from the penalty spot after 78 minutes to put the Reds nine points clear at the top.

Salah, who had already prepared Cody Gakpo's first-half opener, said afterwards that he believed 'in his head' that this would be the last time he faces Pep Guardiola's men at Anfield, so he was determined to enjoy it.

The 32-year-old forward is out of contract this summer and said last month that there was no offer on the table to extend his stay on Merseyside beyond eight years.

Salah said: “Honestly, that's what's on my mind – this is in all likelihood the last City game I'll play for Liverpool, so I'm just going to enjoy it.

“The atmosphere was incredible, so I will enjoy every second here.

“Hopefully we just win the competition and see what happens.”

It is believed that Salah is looking for a new three-year contract at Anfield and wants similar terms to his existing contract.

So far the club's owners, FSG, have refused to bow to his wage demands and he knows there would be mega money for sale in the Saudi Pro League.

He once again underlined his importance to the Reds and their title chase as he took his season tally to thirteen.

If this campaign does indeed prove to be his swan song, he looks set to emerge in style for the Reds, now 11 points ahead of City, who saw Mikel Arteta's Arsenal move into second place on goal difference.

Salah said of his Anfield experience and the crucial win: “It's very special. I don't take it for granted. I'm enjoying every minute here. It feels like home.

“It's always a special feeling to score and win games at Anfield. We know City will come and try to win the game here, but we managed to play a good game and win.”

While Salah grabbed the headlines, Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk was also excellent as four-in-a-row champions City barely threatened and have now slipped to fifth in the table.

The Dutch centre-back – another who is out of contract, along with right-back Trent Alexander-Arnold – said there is still a long way to go despite their huge gap.

Van Dijk said: “We are focusing on the next match. That's the only thing we can do.

“There is no point in being ahead at this stage of the season. Of course, everyone wants to be in a position where they are eleven points ahead of their opponents.

“But there are so many twists and turns. Unfortunately, we are struggling with injuries in our team and we are dealing with that as well.

“It's one game at a time and stay calm. But when you win these kinds of matches, it's always a good feeling.”

Dutch striker Gakpo added a strike against the English champions to the one he got against European kings Real Madrid in midweek – following the late win against Southampton last weekend.

But there is no time for the Merseysiders to celebrate as they head to Newcastle on Wednesday night and have a Merseyside derby next weekend and Gakpo said: “It was a big week for us and we won all three.

“Life is good. We are winning games as a team, so it feels good. But everyone knows the season isn't over yet. We have to stay focused.

“Recover well, sleep well, train hard. It has worked so far and we still have to do that and keep each other sharp.”

Liverpool fully deserved their victory as City's recent slump continued as they lost a sixth game in their last seven games.

Gakpo added: “I won't say they are low on self-confidence, but they are not in their best moments. At some moments they showed that they are so good on the ball.”