Mohamed Salah has officially joined Trabzonspor after agreeing to terminate his Liverpool contract a year early. The Egyptian forward's move to the Turkish club was confirmed on Tuesday, with fans gathering at Istanbul airport to welcome him.
Salah's first words to Trabzonspor fans
In his first message to the club's supporters, Salah said: "Trabzon, are you ready? I can hear you. See you very soon." The transfer was announced via a video of Salah in a Trabzonspor shirt, which also included a short phrase in Turkish.
Interest from other clubs
Besiktas and Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad were among the clubs that expressed interest in Salah, but he opted for Trabzonspor, who finished third in the Turkish Super Lig last season. They could feature in Europa League football if they progress through the play-off round.
Carragher's reaction
Liverpool legend Jamie Carragher commented on the move, saying: "I never believed he was going to go to Saudi. Number one, he is too good for that, and I think he could be playing in Serie A. Turkey, for me, feels like a level too low. I was convinced he would end up an AC Milan or a Juventus. Maybe his wages were a problem."
Carragher added: "I don't know him but he is like Cristiano Ronaldo. He is so driven and his numbers mean so much to him. I thought, and he can still do this in Turkey, that he would want to play for a real prestigious club. Obviously his wage demands have probably put a few people off, but I thought he might curb those demands a bit to get a better club. Go to a Milan or a Juventus, play in the San Siro, play in Europe. Turkey, I just think he is better than that."
