Liverpool striker Mohamed Salah has called on fans not to recruit teammates for teammate Trent Alexander-Arnold for the rest of the club this season, and insists the defender deserves the farewell before leaving Anfield this summer.

Alexander-Arnold was ridiculed by some fans after presenting a 2-2 draw with Arsenal in Liverpool’s 2-2 draw last weekend, confirming that he intends to leave the club at the end of the season earlier this month.

The 26-year-old is expected to join Real Madrid this summer, sources told ESPN that the Spanish club hopes the right-back will join them in time for the club World Cup this summer.

But Salah doesn't think Alexander-Arnold's decision to face a new challenge from Merseyside is criticized.

Asked about his teammates’ reaction to Arsenal, Salah told Sky Sports: “Absolutely. I was surprised because it was not our reaction as Liverpool fans.

“We shouldn’t react to anyone this way. We always thank the people who come here, even for six months.

"Imagine someone who gives him all 20 years. That's not the case, and I hope it changes in the next game - Brighton or the last game of the season - because he deserves the farewell."

Salah spent most of the season spending his future at the center of speculation, with the 32-year-old eventually signing a two-year contract last month. But the Egyptian international said he understands why Alexander-Arnold chose to leave the club he represented since he was six.

"It's his decision," Salah said. "I know it's so hard to work in the club for 20 years. People think it's easy to make a decision. No, no. I don't want to say too much to him because I want him to join my team, but I get it.

“(I will miss him) a lot.

"He deserves the best farewell to the club. He has done a lot for the city, a lot for the club. He is probably the best player in club history (one of them) and he needs a new challenge. He said that to me. It was his decision."

Salah added: "He is 26 years old and is a league champion twice. What else can he do? He needs to change and challenge himself. People don't know about it, but he has been in the club for 20 years.

“It’s so hard for people who have been in the club for 20 years. This is the place you love, yes. I love this place. But going to the same place every day, mentally, you may feel frustrated.

"I really wish him all the best. I will always be in touch with him. The fans have been harsh with him. He shouldn't get that because he gave it to the fans."

Information from ESPN's Alex Kirkland and Rodrigo Faez contributed to this report