'I'm very close with Mo Salah - this is how close he came to leaving Liverpool'

Kostas Tsimikas has claimed was up to 90 per cent sure that he would leave last season - before deciding to sign a new two-year deal after Arne Slot's side won the Premier League.

And the Greek full back, in a lengthy profile interview with an Athens outlet, has claimed the Reds' star man decided to remain at Anfield because of his team-mates and fans.

Tsimikas, describing himself as being very close to Salah, has also opened up on how the star man is an inspiration to his team-mates - while calling on him to be named this year’s Ballon d’Or.

“When he said he felt he was more outside than inside the team, it was true, the chances of him staying were 10-20 per cent, it wasn't more,” Tsimikas told “If they didn't give him what he wanted, Mo wouldn't sit back, he would leave, but he wanted to stay, because he loves the team, he loves the people.

“He likes it here very much, his family has been here for so many years, it's a difficult step to leave.

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“With the season he had, it was only a matter of time before they gave him what he wanted and he stayed. It was just a matter of time, he wouldn't go anywhere else. He signed for another two years, he's the flag of the team, he'll become an even bigger legend.”

Salah had 47 goal involvements in Liverpool’s title winning campaign - although they bowed out to eventual winners Paris Saint-Germain in the .

And Tsimikas added: “Mo should win the Ballon d'Or this year, he's been treated unfairly in previous years. I think it's the strength of or , but also the Egyptian passport, since he can't do much with his country's national team. This year, he deserves it more than anyone.”

Tsimikas, 29, also opened up on how Salah drives standards in the changing room, with his insatiable work ethic setting an example for others to follow.

“It's an example for me to see him at 32 working so much, so hard, after what he has achieved both with the team and in individual awards.

"And he is both very focused and smiling at the same time, a great mix. He's always smiling, but even when he's sad, he doesn't show it to anyone, not even me.

"He is there for everyone, open to everyone, to guide anyone who wants his help."