Trabzonspor chief says Mohamed Salah is ‘very happy’ despite Istanbul reports

Trabzonspor president Ertugrul Dogan has rejected claims that Mohamed Salah regrets joining the Turkish club, insisting the Egypt captain is “very happy” despite reports in the Istanbul press.

Trabzonspor have not produced the results expected since the start of the season, despite making several major signings, with Salah among the most prominent arrivals.

Speaking to A Spor, Dogan said: “Mohamed Salah is very happy, contrary to what has been written by the Istanbul press. If one of the Istanbul clubs had made this signing, it would still be dominating the headlines now.

“In my view, we did not sign Mohamed Salah simply as a footballer. We also brought in a truly exceptional person. He is the biggest Muslim player in the world.”

Dogan said Salah had made a positive impression both on and off the pitch since moving to Trabzonspor, while also helping the club’s younger players.

“Since he arrived, he has helped us with everything and has not experienced even the smallest problem,” he said. “He is the first player to arrive at training and the last to leave. In every sense, he is a role model.

“He also plays an important part in developing the young players in the team.”

The Trabzonspor president added that Salah had quickly settled into the squad and had embraced life in the city.

“He has fitted into the team perfectly, masallah, away from the evil eye and envy,” Dogan said. “Salah loves the city and helps promote it. We cannot go to the highlands, whereas he goes there, masallah.”

Dogan also highlighted the wider commercial impact of completing the deal, particularly as rival clubs have been signing high-profile players.

“This transfer was extremely important for promoting Trabzon,” he said. “Through my sons and from what I see in the streets, I realised how significant it was, at a time when competing clubs are signing major stars.”

He said the club’s improved financial position would allow it to pursue similar deals in the future and compete across every competition.

“I used to say that once Trabzonspor improved its economic circumstances, we would be able to compete in all competitions,” Dogan added. “We have now put our finances in order and, God willing, we will make more similar signings from now on.”

Dogan concluded by saying Salah’s arrival had already produced record commercial figures for the club.

“With Salah’s arrival, we broke records for shirt sales and season-ticket sales,” he said.

The Egypt international has scored four goals for Trabzonspor since the beginning of the season.