It was clear midway last season, however, that Salah did not believe his offer reflected his status and the first in a series of strategically placed and occasionally cryptic interviews followed which raised doubts as to whether he will sign another contract. None of those interviews, whether in Marca, AS or elsewhere, have had the required effect.

The latest remarks come with Liverpool in the midst of a season in which they are chasing an unprecedented quadruple. If the impasse is not about money, there is a lack of clarity from Salah as to what the issue is. It certainly cannot be Liverpool’s ambition, their trophy-winning potential or how highly Salah is valued by his coach, Jurgen Klopp, within a team in which he has become a Kop legend.

Liverpool will hope Salah will find the prospect of leaving Anfield unbearable as his contract continues to wind down. On the positive side, both sides want a resolution, Salah repeatedly insisting his intention is to stay at Anfield to break goalscoring records.

“This club means a lot to me – I’ve enjoyed my football here more than anywhere, I gave the club everything and everybody saw that,” said Salah. “I’ve had a lot of unbelievable moments here, winning trophies, individual goals, individual trophies. It’s like a family here.”