Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan defends Mohamed Salah transfer and hits back at Istanbul media

Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan says Mohamed Salah is “extremely happy” at the club and has criticised Istanbul’s media for questioning the Egyptian forward’s move to the Turkish side.

Speaking exclusively to A Spor, Dogan said Salah had settled completely since arriving at Trabzonspor and dismissed suggestions that the transfer had created problems.

“Mohamed Salah is extremely happy, contrary to what the Istanbul media are writing,” Dogan said. “If a club from Istanbul had completed this transfer, the city would still be burning.”

Dogan said Trabzonspor had acquired far more than a high-profile footballer, praising Salah’s character and influence within the squad.

“We did not sign only a player; we signed a human being and a very special personality,” he said. “He is the greatest Muslim player in the world.”

The club president also highlighted Salah’s professionalism and his contribution to the development of younger players.

“From the first day, he has helped us with everything, without any problem or obstacle,” Dogan said. “He is a true role model. He is the first to arrive at training and the last to leave, and he has a very important role in developing the young players in the team.”

Dogan said Salah had become fully integrated into life at Trabzonspor and had embraced the city on Turkey’s Black Sea coast.

“He has completely adapted to the team; that expression suits him perfectly,” he added. “I hope he does not suffer from the evil eye. He loves the city and promotes it. We cannot even go up to the highlands, but he does. Mashallah.”

The Trabzonspor president compared Salah’s conduct with that of other foreign players who had made a positive impression at the club, naming Edin Visca, Nwakaeme and Hamsik.

“Edin Visca was like this too, as were Nwakaeme and Hamsik,” he said. “They are very polite young men and good role models for those around them.”

Dogan said the significance of Salah’s arrival extended beyond what he could contribute on the pitch, arguing that the transfer had helped raise Trabzon’s profile internationally.

He explained that completing the deal had also been important to supporters and his own family after seeing Istanbul clubs attract major-name signings.

“It was important to complete this transfer,” Dogan said. “I would see my children and the fans in the streets watching rivals make big-name signings.”

Dogan ended by promising that Trabzonspor’s improved financial position would allow the club to compete more strongly in the transfer market.

“I always said that when Trabzonspor put its finances in order, it would compete in every area,” he said. “We have now arranged things behind the scenes and, God willing, we will make similar signings from now on.”