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Trabzonspor's Egyptian forward Mohamed Salah said he is aiming for success in both Europe and Türkiye's Super Lig, describing his transfer as a search for a new challenge after years of success in his career.
Salah made the remarks in an interview published in the 242nd issue of Trabzonspor Magazine, which was also released on the club's YouTube channel.
The Egyptian forward said he has always understood that motivation is essential to success and that he continually looks for new sources of it to keep going.
"This is why I'm here now. I've achieved a lot in my career, but I'm looking for a new challenge. That's why I'm here. I hope we can achieve something in Europe and in the league too," Salah said.
Asked about the impression he left in England's Premier League and the respect he earned from rivals, Salah said being appreciated by an opponent feels good and makes him proud of what he has achieved.
He added that he is closely acquainted with several prominent figures in the sport, having worked with Jurgen Klopp and maintaining regular contact with Steven Gerrard.
Salah said Trabzonspor President Ertugrul Dogan's ambition, along with the structure the president is trying to build at the club, played a key role in convincing him to join the team.
He explained that he came from an environment in Liverpool where he felt loved and respected for nine years, and that the president's assurance he would find the same here stayed with him.
He said the reception he received at the airport and stadium in Trabzon, a city on Türkiye's Black Sea coast, was unbelievable, but what mattered most to him was the president's genuine desire to win with the team.
Salah said he is not usually an emotional person but became emotional during his welcome at Trabzon Airport. "I never expected such a welcome at the stadium or the airport.
I don't think many players have received a welcome like that before even touching the ball. That's why I was so happy and moved," he said.
He said friends across football reached out after seeing the reception, including former Liverpool teammates, and that he remains in regular contact with Dominik Szoboszlai.
He described the reaction as unprecedented for a player who had not yet worn the club's jersey, adding that the moment spread widely online and was seen well beyond his family and friends.
Asked how he would feel facing Liverpool while playing for Trabzonspor, Salah said it would bring mixed emotions given his nine years there and his affection for the city and its fans.
Salah recalled changing buses four times as a child just to reach training, saying he remains as driven and motivated today as he was then.
He said he received support from both parents growing up, noting that his mother worried about him constantly but that this did not feel like a burden at the time, since he genuinely wanted to play.
He said enjoying football in Cairo made the difficulties feel manageable.
Salah said he worked throughout his career to change certain traits in his personality, which helped him adapt to different cultures.
He has played in Switzerland, Italy, England and now Türkiye, in addition to his time in Egypt, and said adapting to each country's distinct culture and rules was necessary.
Asked about being seen as a symbol of hope for children across Egypt, Africa and beyond, Salah said it was something he set out to achieve when he left Egypt, describing it as a goal no Egyptian player had previously accomplished.
He said seeing hope in people when they look at him is more rewarding to him than anything else, and that he views it not as pressure but as a source of pride.
Salah also said he enjoys tennis and chess, and that he misses spending time with fellow Egyptians, describing a distinct, shared atmosphere when together. He said even small things, like the scent of the air back home, make him feel good.
Asked what advice he would give his younger self, Salah said he would tell him their careers turned out incredible, marked by suffering and struggle but ultimately by major achievements, adding that he is proud of every moment of it.
Salah said he speaks with his mother before every match and added that Trabzonspor's fans will be needed throughout the season, expressing hope that their support will help the team succeed in the league and in Europe.
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