'I can't believe he is one of us' - inside Salah's life in Trabzon

Salah has become a cultural phenomenon in Trabzon since his August arrival, with merchandise sales surging and Egyptian tourists flooding the city for matches.

Mohamed Salah's move to Trabzonspor in August has transformed the Turkish club and the city of Trabzon itself. The 34-year-old Egyptian forward arrived to scenes of mass adulation, with his kit selling out instantly upon landing in Istanbul. Since then, his impact has extended far beyond the pitch: merchandise revenue has already surpassed last year's total in just three months, new flights have been introduced from Cairo, Dubai and Riyadh to accommodate visiting fans, and Salah's image dominates the city's streets and shops.

On the field, Salah has delivered immediately with 10 goals and five assists in all competitions, helping Trabzonspor challenge for the Turkish Super Lig title. The club trails leaders Galatasaray by three points after winning seven of their first 10 games, including victories over the Istanbul giants. Salah earns approximately £14.6m per year plus 20% of official merchandise revenue bearing his name.

The signing has made Trabzonspor a second club for many supporters across the Muslim world and wider Arab region, where Liverpool was previously difficult to access. Local landmarks have even been renamed in his honour, with a hiking rock in the Trabzon highlands now known as Salahtasi (Salah's Rock) and attracting tourists.