Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah has revealed the reasoning behind his transfer to Süper Lig side Trabzonspor. Salah stated that a hunger for a new challenge and the ambitious project of club president Ertuğrul Doğan were decisive in his move.
According to a report by Türkiye Today, Salah made these comments in an interview published in the 242nd issue of Trabzonspor Magazine and released on the club's YouTube channel. Salah expressed his desire to start a new chapter after nine successful years at Liverpool. "This is why I'm here now. I've achieved a lot in my career, but I'm looking for a new challenge." he said.
What factors influenced his decision?
Mohamed Salah emphasized that the vision of Trabzonspor President Ertuğrul Doğan and the structure he is building played a key role in his decision. He explained that he felt loved and respected during his time at Liverpool, and Doğan's assurance that he would find similar respect at Trabzonspor stayed with him. This dialogue was a significant factor for Salah, who aims for success both in the Süper Lig and in Europe.
The club's current league position paints a picture of the new season's start. Trabzonspor sits in 11th place in the Süper Lig. The team has collected 4 points from three matches (1 win, 1 draw, 1 loss), with a recent form of LWD (Loss, Win, Draw). As visible on the club's stats page, they have scored and conceded 4 goals, resulting in a zero goal difference. They trail leaders Galatasaray by 6 points.
How did the welcome in Trabzon affect Salah?
Salah said he was deeply moved by the incredible reception he received at Trabzon Airport and the stadium. The star, who became emotional, stated, "I never expected such a welcome at the stadium or the airport." The moment spreading widely online and being seen beyond just his family and friends was extraordinary for him. Many from the football world, including former Liverpool teammates, reached out after seeing the reaction. Salah added that he remains in regular contact with Dominik Szoboszlai.
What is Salah's source of motivation?
The Egyptian star said the drive and motivation he had as a child, changing buses four times to reach training, remains the same today. He recounted receiving support from both parents, with his mother constantly worrying but never making him feel like a burden. Enjoying football in Cairo made difficulties feel more manageable. He noted that he worked throughout his career to change certain personality traits to adapt to different cultures, having played in Switzerland, Italy, England, and now Turkey, where adapting to each country's distinct culture and rules was necessary.
A goal he set for himself when leaving Egypt was to become a symbol of hope for children across Egypt, Africa, and beyond. Stating that no Egyptian player had accomplished this before, Salah said seeing hope in people's eyes when they look at him is more rewarding than anything else and he views it as a source of pride, not pressure.
What are the expectations for the future?
Salah acknowledged that facing Liverpool while playing for Trabzonspor would bring mixed emotions due to his nine years there and his affection for the city and fans. Personally, he enjoys tennis and chess, and misses spending time with fellow Egyptians, valuing the shared atmosphere. He even mentioned that small things like the scent of the air back home make him feel good. He would tell his younger self that his career turned out incredible, marked by suffering and struggle but ultimately by major achievements, and he is proud of every moment. He also shared that he speaks with his mother before every match.
Salah expressed that the fans will be needed throughout the season and he hopes their support will help the team succeed in the league and in Europe. The team's next step is a home fixture against Kocaelispor, who are 6th in the table, on December 20, 2026. Details of this important match can be found on the club's fixtures page.
