Trabzon mayor invites Egypt manager Hossam Hassan to visit Mohamed Salah

Trabzon Mayor Ahmed Metin Genc has invited Egypt manager Hossam Hassan to visit the Turkish city, saying he hopes the former striker will attend this month or next.

Speaking to Turkish website 61saat, Genc said Hassan had responded positively to the invitation and wanted to watch Mohamed Salah in Trabzon.

“We invited him to Trabzon. He said he was willing to come and that he wanted to watch Salah in Trabzon,” Genc said.

“We hope he will be our guest this month or next month.”

Salah joined Trabzonspor at the start of the current season on a free transfer after leaving Liverpool. He has scored seven goals and provided two assists in eight appearances for the club this season.

Genc said Salah’s move had already made a significant contribution to Trabzon’s tourism, profile and economic potential.

He also praised the transfer in the context of relations between Turkey and Egypt, saying: “For some time, our diplomatic relations had stagnated. Thanks to our president and the new administration, we believe we have reached a new level, particularly concerning the rights and interests of both countries.

“I am among those who believe that Mohamed Salah’s transfer will, God willing, help strengthen this level as an independent force.”

The mayor added that efforts were under way to maintain direct flights to Trabzon from countries in the Gulf and Caucasus, as well as from Egypt.

“We are working hard to continue operating direct flights to Trabzon from the Gulf and Caucasus countries, and from Egypt as well,” he said.

Genc also revealed that discussions were taking place with Turkey’s ambassador about holding promotional days for Trabzon in Cairo.

“We hope we have reached an agreement with our ambassador on the dates for Trabzon’s promotional days in Cairo,” he said. “We are currently making the necessary plans and preparations.

“We intend to enrich our city through solidarity and tourism, building on our relationship, dialogue and long history with the brotherly Egyptian people.”