'They'd absolutely worship him' - Former Trabzonspor midfielder Mikel tells Salah what to expect in Turkey
· Admin · 2026-08-10 · nguồn gốc
Former Trabzonspor midfielder John Obi Mikel has told Mohamed Salah what to expect following his move to Papara Park, insisting the Egyptian forward will receive tremendous support from the club's passionate supporters.
Mikel, who has plenty of praise for Trabzonspor and the city, warned Salah that although the fans will strongly back him, he must continue to deliver impressive performances to maintain their support.
Salah joined the Black Sea Storm as a free agent following the termination of his contract with Liverpool at the end of the campaign.
The former Chelsea forward was welcomed by thousands of Trabzonspor supporters at the airport following the confirmation of his move from the Premier League club.
Speaking to Turkish outlet Sabah, Mikel highlighted the passion surrounding the club and revealed the extraordinary reception Salah received upon his arrival.
"Salah has his reason for going there, is it football or financial reasons? If you talk about finance, surely Saudi Arabia should be the one," Mikel said.
"Trabzonspor is a really good club, the people live and breathe football. It's a football city.
"Trabzonspor is one place that as soon as you make the transfer and the announcement is made, the fans come to the airport to greet the player, who doesn't matter who it is.
"But this time, it was different, it was thousands of people that came out to welcome Mo Salah, it was absolutely crazy.
"I think the whole stadium was filled up for his announcement. It was insane. The social media of the football club also skyrocketed.
"Knowing the football club, I know what the training pitches look like, the dressing rooms, the showers, probably they have to make changes for Mo Salah."
Mikel also warned Salah about the high expectations at the club, insisting that supporters can quickly turn against players if performances and results do not meet expectations.
"No disrespect to Trabzonspor, great football club, amazing fan base, people that run the football club, and City.
"The people in the city will worship you if you're playing well and winning games. They turn on you quickly, they don't care who you are or where you are from," he added.
The former Super Eagles captain, however, believes Salah has everything required to become a fan favourite if he maintains his high standards on the pitch.
"I hope it works out well for him and his family, that they feel comfortable and enjoy the city. Because one thing is for sure, if he keeps performing and playing well for that City, they would absolutely worship him."
Following his arrival, Salah will be hoping to make an immediate impact and help Trabzonspor compete for major honours this campaign, potentially alongside Super Eagles striker Paul Onuachu if the Nigerian remains at the club.
Adeyemi Adewale