Mohamed Salah described his transfer to Trabzonspor as a new challenge in an environment where there aren’t many star players. The Egyptian superstar has already joined the Egyptian national team, and during the league break, he spoke about his time in Turkey so far.
Specifically, he emphasized that Trabzonspor made him realize there is love beyond Liverpool—a love he wants to repay by winning a title. As he said:
ΣΧΕΤΙΚΑ ΑΡΘΡΑ
What’s in store for Tsimikas’ future at Liverpool?
“I know there were people who expected to see me in the Saudi Arabian league or at one of Europe’s top clubs, but I see something different in this team. I wanted a new challenge, but not in an environment where there are already so many stars, because I want to build something with this team.
Trabzonspor made me realize that there is love beyond Liverpool. The fans here turned out in droves, offering incredible support and love, which made me love the club even more. That’s why I want to win something together with these wonderful fans; they deserve so much more than I do.
I wanted to build a strong bond with the players here. I want us to be a competitive team. Motivation and hard work shape our mindset after every game of the season, as we move forward step by step.
There have been analysts and many others who questioned my decision, but they can’t understand what it really means to me to put my trust in this club. It means so much to me.
I want to repay the love of these wonderful fans by winning a trophy at the end of the season. The way they deserve this trophy is truly special.”
The Impact of Salah’s Transfer
According to BBC Sport, which examined the impact of Salah’s transfer on Trabzonspor, the club has reaped multiple benefits from his move to Turkey.
- In the first three months following Salah’s transfer, revenue from merchandise sales in Trabzon exceeded the total for the entire previous year
- The brown-and-blue jersey worn by the Egyptian player and the black (away) jersey sold out in a short period of time
- New flights to Trabzon have begun from Cairo, Dubai, and Riyadh.
- The area in the highlands of Trabzon where Salah was photographed has come to be known as the “Salah Plateau” and has become a popular tourist destination.
- Salah, who lives in Yomra, reportedly earns about 14.6 million lira a year and receives a 20% share of sales from official merchandise bearing his name.
*photo source: AP
