Mohamed Salah: Gary Neville makes Ronaldo comparison after Liverpool star's bombshell interview | OneFootball

Forward could be involved for Liverpool this weekend

Gary Neville has compared Mohamed Salah’s recent comments about Liverpool to Cristiano Ronaldo’s departure from Manchester United back in 2022.

Salah, 33, made headlines last weekend when he gave a bombshell interview following the Reds’ 3-3 draw with Leeds, where the forward was an unused substitute for the second time in three games.

In a similar manner three years ago, Ronaldo, in his second stint at United, revealed in an interview with Piers Morgan that he lacked respect for then-manager Erik ten Hag, as well as criticising United’s hierarchy and recruitment process when hiring interim manager Ralf Rangnick.

The interview led to the Portuguese leaving Old Trafford in January 2023, joining Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia, where he continues to play now.

Salah’s comments last week triggered a similar reaction, although it appears that air has been cleared - at least initially - between himself and Slot, with the forward included in Liverpool’s matchday squad for their weekend clash with Brighton.

Neville, the former United defender, told Sky Sports News that both Salah and Ronaldo’s elite profiles meant that their comments were more understandable than if coming from an “ordinary” player.

"I see it from both sides," Neville said. "I wouldn't see it from an ordinary player's side.

“When you have this level of player that's almost the best in the world, which I'd put Salah up there with, you sometimes… don't have to accept what he's done because Cristiano Ronaldo did it [at United].

“I didn't take too kindly to it at all, because I think those players have an expectation to bring everybody along with them.

"But it is not unusual behaviour for a player of that level of quality and talent. They often have a different outlook on things.

“I wouldn't like it if it was at my club [United] and I didn't [like it] a few years ago when Cristiano did it; he went and did the big interview.

"I thought it was wrong. I thought the timing was wrong and the way it was delivered was wrong, so I can see why Liverpool fans would be upset.

“But I thought [Salah] should have come on the pitch. I said it on commentary.

"I can see why he was upset but I can also see it from Liverpool's perspective. They feel let down and that he's put a lot of attention on them that wasn't needed in a moment of challenge and difficulty."

Reports claim that not all the issues surrounding Salah and Liverpool are resolved yet, and further talks will continue between the club and the player’s representatives when the forward jets off with Egypt for the Africa Cup of Nations.