Mohamed Salah has admitted he would feel conflicted if he ever had to face Liverpool during the remainder of his career as he explained what persuaded him to sign for Trabzonspor.
The Egyptian left the Reds on a free transfer earlier this summer following a trophy and goal-laden nine years at Anfield. After competing in the World Cup for Egypt and weighing up his options, the 34-year-old completed a surprise switch to Turkey last month.
Impressive start at Trabzonspor
Salah has enjoyed an impressive start to life at Trabzonspor, returning three goals from his five games. However, the Turkish Super Lig side were also knocked out of the Europa League in the qualifying stages as they suffered a heavy loss to Ferencvaros.
While it would be impossible for them to face Liverpool in Europe this season, a possible reunion in the future cannot be ruled out. And Salah admits it would be strange if he did ever have to face off against his former club.
“I would feel mixed feelings,” he said. “It’s mixed feelings because I’ve been there nine years. I love the city, I love the fans and we always had a special relationship. It would be very tricky.”
Emotional welcome in Trabzon
Salah was granted a hero’s welcome when arriving in Trabzon, both at the airport and his later unveiling at their stadium. The Egyptian was blown away by the reception, admitting it left him feeling emotional as he revealed how club president Ertugrul Dogan persuaded him to join Trabzonspor.
“Usually I’m not an emotional guy but arriving at the airport, I think it somehow fulfilled something in me that I’m missing,” he told the club. “I really wanted to see that. But I never expected it, I never expected it to be that way at the stadium or the airport. I don’t see many players are received by the fans like this before they even touched a ball. So I was very, very happy and very emotional.”
He continued: “When I heard the club was interested, automatically, I was very excited. I checked some places, and the best food probably so I can also enjoy myself! This was the first thing I did once I knew the club was interested.
President's ambition convinced Salah
“I think the club president’s ambition and what he is trying to build with the club, that’s what convinced me. I came from a place in Liverpool where the people love me, they always show me love and respect. I’d been there for nine years. What the president said about the love I would see here, it was in my head and I would love to see that, which is what happened when I arrived in the airport. It was incredible. And also at the stadium was incredible.
“But the main thing that convinced me was that he really wanted to win something with the team. That convinced me somehow that this was the right thing to do. From a young age, I knew that without motivation I would not succeed so I always try to find motivation to keep going. That’s why I’m here now. I won many things in my career and I want a new challenge so that’s why I’m here. I’m really hoping we can win something special, especially in Europe, and hopefully the league as well.”
