Former England striker Wayne Rooney has expressed clear frustration over the recent behaviour of Liverpool players Mohamed Salah and Andrew Robertson following their dramatic Merseyside derby victory against Everton FC, saying he was unimpressed by how their celebrations unfolded after the final whistle.

The match itself ended in dramatic fashion, with Liverpool securing a 2–1 win thanks to a late stoppage-time goal from Virgil van Dijk, scored deep into the 100th minute. The result sparked jubilant scenes among Liverpool players and supporters, particularly given the emotional weight of the derby and the late nature of the winner. However, what followed after the final whistle became the focus of criticism from Rooney.

Rooney, who previously played for Everton and remains closely associated with the club, took issue not with the result itself but with the way certain Liverpool players conducted their post-match celebrations. In particular, he highlighted Salah and Robertson, who were seen leading emotional interactions with fans as they acknowledged what is expected to be their final appearances in the derby before leaving the club at the end of the season.

Both players have recently confirmed their intentions to depart Liverpool FC. Salah announced during the international break that he will be leaving Anfield after the conclusion of the current campaign, despite having only recently signed a contract extension. Robertson has also indicated that he is preparing for a new chapter in his career, with his contract nearing its end.

Their announcements have naturally drawn attention and speculation, with discussions already beginning about their possible next destinations. Salah, in particular, has been linked with potential moves abroad, including the possibility of a switch to Saudi Arabia, though no official confirmation has been made.

Following the derby victory, Salah, Robertson, and goalkeeper Freddie Woodman—who made his debut appearance—were seen celebrating with supporters at full-time. The scenes were emotional, with fans showing appreciation for players who have contributed significantly to Liverpool’s success in recent years. However, for Rooney, the focus on individual farewells during an ongoing season was not appropriate.

Speaking on his podcast, Rooney used the moment to reflect more broadly on what he sees as a growing trend in modern football: players announcing departures before the end of the season and receiving public send-offs while competition is still ongoing. He suggested that this shift affects the collective nature of the game.

He specifically referenced the post-match celebrations at the end of the Merseyside derby, stating that he felt the attention was shifting away from the team performance and toward individual narratives. In his view, while players like Salah and Robertson deserve recognition for their contributions to the club, such farewells should be reserved for the end of the season rather than mid-campaign moments.

Rooney explained that, from his perspective, football is fundamentally a team sport, and maintaining focus on collective objectives should remain the priority until all competitions are concluded. He expressed discomfort with the idea of emotional goodbyes taking place while important fixtures are still being played.

He also discussed the broader implications of mid-season departure announcements. According to Rooney, revealing transfer intentions or exit plans during the campaign does not necessarily reduce speculation—in fact, it can increase it. Once a player confirms they are leaving, attention often shifts immediately to their future destination, creating ongoing media discussion and distraction.

For example, he noted that in Salah’s case, speculation has already begun regarding where he might continue his career next season. Potential moves, including a switch to leagues outside Europe, have already been widely discussed in the media, even though no official decision has been confirmed. Rooney suggested that this type of speculation can overshadow the remainder of the player’s current campaign.

Despite his criticism, Rooney made it clear that his comments were not intended as personal attacks on the players involved. Instead, he framed his argument as a broader reflection on football culture and timing. He acknowledged that both Salah and Robertson have made significant contributions to Liverpool and deserve recognition for their achievements.

He specifically praised Salah’s impact at Liverpool, describing him as one of the standout performers of his generation at the club. However, he reiterated that he believes farewell moments should be reserved for the conclusion of a season, when competitive responsibilities have been fully completed.

Rooney’s comments also touched on the emotional balance between players and supporters. While he recognised that fans naturally want to show appreciation for departing players, he suggested that maintaining focus during the final stages of the season is equally important for team performance and discipline.

The discussion reflects a wider debate in modern football about how clubs manage player departures, media announcements, and emotional farewells. In recent years, it has become increasingly common for players to confirm exits before their contracts expire, allowing supporters time to acknowledge their contributions. However, this practice has also raised questions about timing and competitive focus.

In this case, Liverpool’s victory over Everton added another layer of emotion, given the rivalry between the two clubs and the significance of the late winning goal. The celebrations were therefore both competitive and personal, blending team success with individual farewells.

As Liverpool continue their season, attention will remain divided between their pursuit of results and the upcoming departures of key figures. For Rooney, however, the emphasis should remain firmly on collective goals until the final whistle of the campaign is played.

Ultimately, his comments highlight the tension between modern football’s emotional storytelling and its competitive demands. While players like Salah and Robertson are being celebrated for their contributions and legacy, Rooney’s perspective reflects a belief that timing and team focus should remain at the centre of the game until the season reaches its natural conclusion.