André Onana says his loan spell with Trabzonspor has brought renewed happiness and clarity, describing the move as the most fulfilling phase of his life as he rebuilds confidence away from Manchester United.
The Cameroon international goalkeeper joined the Turkish Süper Lig side ahead of the 2025–26 season after falling out of favour at Old Trafford.
A combination of inconsistent performances and a hamstring injury disrupted his standing under United head coach Ruben Amorim, and the subsequent arrival of Senne Lammens accelerated his temporary exit.
The switch to Trabzon was designed to reset his career, and the early impact has been profound on a personal level.
“I’m very happy, trust me,” Onana told Yeni Asir. “I’m living the best period of my life. I can’t complain; I’m very happy to be here.”
He went on to describe daily interactions with supporters that have reshaped his experience of football.
“Sometimes I’m driving and a car cuts in front of me just to ask for a photo. At first, it was difficult to understand, but now I love it.”
Onana has embraced the intense bond between Trabzonspor and their fan base, a sharp contrast to the scrutiny he faced in England.
“They are very passionate, and it’s a feeling you can’t describe unless you are here,” he said. “It’s a different lifestyle, but it’s great. Truly incredible, amazing.”
The goalkeeper has quickly become a central figure in the squad, earning the nickname “The Wall” from supporters.
That backing has helped him move beyond a difficult period that also saw him miss out on Cameroon’s AFCON squad, further compounding frustrations earlier in the year.
While Onana’s aggressive, ball-playing style divided opinion in the Premier League, it has been more warmly received in Türkiye, where his distribution is viewed as a strength rather than a risk.
Nevertheless, he has not indicated whether the move could become permanent, focusing instead on consistency during the second half of the campaign.
