Liverpool legend Ian Rush says he's flopped move to Juventus was used to convince Mohamed Salah to sign a new contract.

The former Wales international says he never stopped trying to convince Salah that his future was at Anfield, but claimed he was always assured by the player himself that a new contract would eventually be signed.

"I am a good friend with Ramy and Mo, and I met him many times in Dubai, France, London and Liverpool. I have kept trying to tell Ramy to convince Mo to stay! This is a special club. It's the best club in the world," he told the Mirror.

"If you want to be a true legend, and we've had so many great players like Luis Suarez, Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Javier Mascherano, but for all these great players, if you want to be a true legend, you have to be at the club for at least seven to 10 years and that is what it's all about.

" Liverpool is special because whether you're winning or losing, you have to show your loyalty. I have spoken to Mohamed a lot, telling him how great this club is.

"I left for Juventus and I realised the grass wasn't always greener on the other side and I was one of the fortunate ones to get the chance to come back. When I came back I had no hesitation as I realised how special this football club is.

"At Mo's age, if he did leave the club, there would be no coming back. So when I spoke to both Mo and Ramy, I said if they get the chance to, then sign! The fans love him and now he is here for another three years at least.

"I think it was just a matter of dotting the Is and crossing the Ts really. He never really wanted to leave. I spoke to him at the last home game (against Wolves in May) and he said never really wanted to leave.

"His agent is a really good friend of mine as I say, him and his wife, and it was just about managing to convince them this is the best club in the world, whether you win or lose. And it's not always about winning, when you lose, these fans get right behind you and that is what makes this club so special."