Mohamed Salah issues heartfelt message after Liverpool transfer confirmed

Liverpool star Mohamed Salah has paid tribute to Darwin Nunez following the Uruguayan's transfer to Al-Hilal last week.

The 26-year-old concluded his three-year stint at Anfield last week after the Reds secured a £46 million agreement with the Saudi Pro League club. Throughout his tenure at Anfield, the Uruguayan netted 40 goals across 143 appearances, helping Liverpool secure the Community Shield, League Cup, and Premier League.

Posting on X on Wednesday evening, Salah expressed appreciation for Nunez's contributions on Merseyside. "I consider myself lucky to have had you as a teammate and friend," the winger said.

"You were always very real and brought so much good energy wherever you went. You made us laugh and showed heart in everything you did. You will be missed and I wish you the best in your new club."

Following an outstanding 2021-22 campaign at Benfica, Nunez arrived at Liverpool in June 2022 in a potentially club-record transfer valued at £85m.

However, despite netting on his debut against Manchester City in the Community Shield, Nunez battled for consistency in his inaugural season at Anfield, managing merely nine Premier League goals as Liverpool stumbled to a fifth-place league finish. During his second campaign, the Uruguayan displayed signs of progress as Liverpool pursued a title challenge for two-thirds of the season.

Following Jurgen Klopp's departure from the club in May 2024, though, Nunez found it difficult to impress Arne Slot, with the Dutchman favouring Luis Diaz and Diogo Jota as his attacking options. Consequently, the ex-Benfica striker managed only eight Premier League starts last term as Liverpool secured the title.

Taking to Instagram following confirmation of his exit, Nunez wrote: "Thank you, Liverpool. "Three years on, it's time to say goodbye. I'll take with me countless memories that will live with me forever.

"I leave with a full heart, thanks to the love of a crowd that never let me down and always had my back - through the highs and through the lows.

"Liverpool will always be part of who I am. I'll miss you more than words can say. To all the staff and my teammates - thank you and all the very best for the future."

Nunez got his Al Hilal career off to a solid start, scoring on his debut appearance in a 6-0 friendly victory against Swiss second-tier outfit Aarau.

The former Liverpool striker produced a booming finish to beat the Aarau goalkeeper after receiving the ball in the penalty area. Nunez had already seen what he thought was his first goal for the Saudi Pro League club ruled out for offside just moments earlier.

Al Hilal finished as runners-up in the Saudi Pro League last season and will also be competing in the AFC Champions League this campaign.

This article was originally published by the Liverpool Echo.