Ertuğrul Doğan: You cannot convince Salah with money

Trabzonspor Club President Ertuğrul Doğan made important statements regarding the transfer process following the signing ceremony of the burgundy-blue club's new transfer, Mohamed Salah. Emphasizing that Salah is one of the most important stars of world football, Doğan said that the signing ceremony held by Trabzonspor has not been seen in Turkey or the world for many years.

Pointing out that Salah is an exemplary figure with both his football skills and his character, Doğan said, "We saw what a humble person he was during the transfer negotiations. Today, seeing his attitude within the team, I understood once again that this is no coincidence. This character is one of the most important traits that has kept him at the top of the world for years. I believe he will be very successful at Trabzonspor."

President Doğan underlined that fan support is indispensable for success, stating, "Nothing happens without being one. If we act together with our fans, we can achieve very important successes both in Turkey and in Europe. The atmosphere within the team is extremely positive. Our young players and experienced names are working towards the same goal. Everyone's aim is to carry Trabzonspor to the highest point it can reach."

"Muçi's gesture was moving"

Continuing his words by stating that Ernest Muçi giving his jersey to Mohamed Salah moved him, Doğan said, "I would like to thank Muçi in particular. It was entirely his own idea to come and give his jersey to Salah. Both are very valuable players for us. This behavior moved us all and showed the family environment within the team."

"He was surprised in Istanbul, and when he saw Trabzon, he said 'I'm glad I came'"

Stating that Salah was very happy with the attention he received, Doğan shared a dialogue that took place during the transfer negotiations: "When he saw the welcome in Istanbul, he said to me, 'I couldn't believe this.' I told him, 'Wait until you see Trabzon.' After the welcome in Trabzon, he thanked me by saying, 'I'm glad you brought me here.' He was met with incredible love here. I believe this positive atmosphere will take us to very good places."

"We are trying to get the best"

Stating that transfer efforts are continuing, President Doğan said that they are conducting negotiations with important names regarding forward reinforcements. Doğan said, "Our negotiations are ongoing. We will try to get the best. It would not be right to give names right now. We are aware of where the bar is set. Trabzonspor has now proven that it is an important center where young footballers develop and open up to Europe. We have strengthened our financial structure and can now take our steps more boldly."

"Season ticket revenue reached 450 million TL"

Opening a separate parenthesis for fan support, Doğan stated that season ticket sales give the club great strength, saying, "The turnover obtained from season ticket sales has reached approximately 450 million TL. I want all season tickets to be sold out within a few days. This would be a very strong message to us. If our fans provide the necessary support, we will continue to do our part."

"Trabzonspor has the power to sign any player it wants"

Reacting to the comments made about the transfers, President Doğan emphasized that the club's economic structure is now much stronger, saying, "When Istanbul clubs make transfers, no one talks, but when Trabzonspor does it, different comments are made. We are a club that has sold approximately 100 million Euros worth of players since last season. We have the potential to make as many sales as this if we want. We are not making transfers with anyone's support. We have not received any special support other than our fans. We expect the support of our business world."

"We paid our players' salaries early"

Expressing that they have taken important steps to maintain the peaceful environment in the team, Doğan said, "We surprised our players and paid their August salaries early. We are trying to offer them the best working environment. We want to reflect this positive atmosphere created inside to the league as well."

"It was not money, but Trabzonspor's project that convinced Salah"

Making striking statements regarding the transfer process, President Doğan emphasized that Mohamed Salah did not choose Trabzonspor for financial reasons, saying, "You cannot bring a footballer like Mohamed Salah to Trabzon just by offering money. He was presented with offers worth approximately 4 times our offer. However, he chose the excitement and love he would experience here. He researched Trabzonspor in detail and spoke with many players. Our former player Trezeguet also helped us a lot by talking to Salah every day. He did not receive any negative references about our club. We carried out a very healthy process with his agent. We completed the agreement in about 4-5 days. Our fans also saw Salah's sincerity in person."

"We first reduced debts, now we are making big transfers"

Drawing attention to the club's financial discipline, Doğan stated that the transfers were carried out in a planned manner, saying, "If we had made these transfers three years ago without reducing our debts, Trabzonspor would have experienced great difficulties again. We first fixed the financial structure. We spent two very difficult years. Today, we are much more comfortable economically and have reached a level where we can make strong moves."

"Salah will also make a great contribution to the promotion of Trabzon"

President Doğan said that the star footballer will make important contributions not only in terms of sports but also in terms of the city and club brand, saying, "Many important names from Egypt are calling me. We will invite them all to Trabzon. Salah has a very strong PR team working professionally. In the coming days, we will also hold important meetings regarding sponsorship and international projects. The arrival of Mohamed Salah will be a very big opportunity not only for Trabzonspor but also for the promotion of Trabzon," he concluded.