Mohamed Salah found himself in an awkward exchange with Trabzon mayor Huseyin Avni Coskun Cebi, who first offered him an unusual gift – a plot of land in Turkey – before abruptly shifting the conversation to the climate crisis. Salah completed his surprise move to Trabzonspor this week, signing a two-year contract after leaving Liverpool at the end of last season.
Salah's Liverpool exit and move to Turkey
The Egyptian brought his Liverpool career to an end earlier this summer after nine seasons at Anfield, mutually agreeing to cancel the final year of his contract so he could move on. The 34-year-old had been heavily linked with a switch to Saudi Arabia, and he even held talks with Besiktas over a move to Istanbul last month, but those discussions ultimately collapsed.
Salah arrived in Trabzon on Wednesday, greeted by thousands of Trabzonspor fans who welcomed him with flares and a huge show of support. But after that electric reception, he met with Cebi for a promotional video for Trabzonspor, and their meeting took an unexpected political turn.
The awkward exchange
Cebi said: "The two countries are similar. Although both are very beautiful, their people struggle with poverty," referring to Turkey and Salah's country, Egypt. "Global warming is threatening the world. In the future, it will become difficult to live in Egypt during the summer. Our district will be very liveable in those years. It will be among the places least affected by global warming. Therefore, let us give you a beautiful piece of land here. It can be a wonderful place for your children and grandchildren, with no water problems and unaffected by global warming."
The attacker was seen scratching his face during the awkward moment, but he still responded politely, saying 'thank you' as he shook Cebi's hand.
Trabzon and Salah's contract details
Trabzon, a province of roughly 820,000 people on Turkey's north-eastern Black Sea coast, combines densely developed coastal areas with a cooler, forested mountainous interior. Its steep topography and narrow shoreline create a sharp contrast between urbanised coastal districts and high-elevation rural terrain.
Upon signing for the club, Salah said: "The last couple of days, it's an experience I've never had in my life. I just want to thank every one of you for being here today. I am feeling so much love here I never expected that reception. I am here to win, I want to win something with this club because you showed me so much love – I appreciate that."
Salah will reportedly receive a 20% share of all products sold under his name, along with season-by-season conditional bonuses. On Merseyside, he scored 257 goals in 442 appearances, winning the Premier League twice and the Champions League. His output dipped last season, and he was left on the bench in European fixtures – a decision that led to a public disagreement with Liverpool's then-manager Arne Slot.
