Wednesday’s briefing: Salah to depart Liverpool and Ipswich explain Farage visit

Arsenal claimed victory in the first leg of their all-London Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea.

Ipswich issued a statement following a visit to the club by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage while James Garner is looking to replicate his under-21 success with England’s senior squad.

Salah says farewell

Mohamed Salah announced he will leave Liverpool at the end of the season

The 33-year-old arrived at Anfield from Roma in 2017 and has scored 255 goals to make him the club’s third all-time leading goalscorer.

Salah has lifted two Premier League titles along with a Champions League, FA Cup and two Carabao Cups.

In a video featuring highlights of his time with the club posted on X, Salah 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.”

Former Reds defender Jamie Carragher wrote in the Telegraph: “While I will celebrate his career, I have no wish to be part of a grand Anfield farewell after the club’s final Premier League fixture in May. Every Liverpool fan has something far better and more dramatic in mind.

“Knowing Salah’s mindset and competitive spirit, he will be setting his sights on the greatest of all possible goodbyes a week later: inspiring his team to victory in the Champions League final in Budapest. Do not bet against the perfect send off.”

Arsenal take charge as Bompastor fumes

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Goals from Stina Blackstenius, Chloe Kelly and Alessio Russo gave Arsenal a 3-1 victory in the first leg of their Women’s Champions League quarter-final against Chelsea.

Lauren James scored a sublime goal to keep Chelsea in the tie, but defending champions Arsenal will take a healthy lead to Stamford Bridge for next week’s return leg.

Chelsea had goals from Veerle Buurman and Kadeisha Buchanan controversially disallowed and Blues boss Sonia Bompastor was furious with the officiating.

“I think when you are playing a quarter-final of the Champions League you need to respect more the women’s game,” she said.

“We deserve the best referees so bring in the best. If it has to be from the men’s game, maybe. We have to make these decisions. We need to bring competence.”

Ipswich remain ‘apolitical’ amid Farage visit

Ipswich have defended a visit to the club by Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, saying they remain “apolitical”.

Sources close to the Championship club had insisted earlier on Tuesday that no official invitation had been made to Farage, who visited the club’s Portman Road ground on Monday ahead of a rally at Trinity Park in Ipswich later the same day.

Reform UK sources contested that assertion, and insisted Farage had been invited by representatives of the club.

He posed for photos in the dressing room, the press room and pitchside for stills and for a video, in which he thanked the club for the “lovely welcome” he had received.

His visit drew criticism from some Ipswich supporters, and the club said in a statement they remained “apolitical” and “does not support or endorse any individual or party”.

The club statement added: “Ipswich Town is proud to be an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming organisation that supports all members of the local and wider community. This commitment remains unchanged.”

Garner relishing senior squad opportunity

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James Garner is eager to force his way into England’s World Cup squad and win more international silverware.

The Everton midfielder has the chance to book his ticket to North America after he was named in Thomas Tuchel’s extended group for friendlies against Uruguay and Japan.

And the 25-year-old has previously tasted success with England, winning the European Under-21 Championship in 2023.

“For me personally, that was probably one of the best feelings I’ve ever had,” he said.

“So I just want to go one step further now, hopefully win a trophy for the first team as well.”

What’s on tomorrow?

The Women’s Champions League quarter-finals continue as Manchester United host Bayern Munich at Old Trafford.

Wednesday’s other final-eight meeting is an all-Spanish clash as Real Madrid take on Barcelona.