Mohamed Salah remains in good spirits and is relaxed following his remarkable Liverpool announcement, according to reports. Qatar-based news outlet WinWin have indicated that the 33-year-old appeared serene after making the startling revelation, posted on social media on Tuesday evening. Salah confirmed his exit from the Reds following a trophy-laden nine-year period on Merseyside.

His statement brings an end to the doubt and conjecture surrounding his future at Liverpool, which first surfaced after his explosive comments following his squad omission in December. The Liverpool faithful and Anfield supporters will bid farewell to the legend in May as he brings to a close a Premier League chapter that secured two league titles and the Champions League.

He said: “Hello everyone, unfortunately the day has come. This is the first part of my farewell. I will be leaving Liverpool at the end of the season.

“I wanted to start by saying that I never imagined how deeply this club, this city, these people would become part of my life. Liverpool is not just a football club, it’s a passion, it’s a history, it’s a spirit. I can’t explain in words to anyone not part of this club.

“We celebrated victory, we won the most important trophies and we fought together through the hardest time in our life. I want to thank everyone who was part of this club throughout my time here, especially the team-mates past and present.

“And to the fans, I don’t have enough words. The support you showed me through the best time of my career and you stood by me in the toughest times. It’s something I will never forget and something I will take with me always.

“Leaving is never easy. You gave me the best time of my life. I will be always one of you.

“This club will always be my home to me and to my family. Thank you for everything. Because of all of you, I will never walk alone.”

Liverpool had dismissed interest from Saudi Arabia during Jurgen Klopp’s final campaign, although the threat re-emerged last season as Salah was propelling the Reds towards a second Premier League title.

The Egyptian was out of contract last summer, but Liverpool secured his signature on a lucrative new two-year deal. However, with just over 12 months left on that contract, he will leave Anfield at the end of the season.

It is widely anticipated that he will depart as a free agent, with clubs from Saudi Arabia already being suggested as potential destinations, while the MLS has also been mooted as a possible next step for the prolific forward.