Former Liverpool superstar Mohamed Salah has been mobbed by an estimated 25,000 fans in jaw-dropping scenes after arriving in Turkey to complete one of world football’s most stunning transfers.
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There were extraordinary scenes at Istanbul Airport on Wednesday as tens of thousands of Trabzonspor supporters packed the terminal hours before Salah’s arrival, turning the airport into a sea of blue and maroon.
Supporters lit flares, waved flags, chanted his name and climbed onto barriers in a reception more akin to a title celebration than a player unveiling, with footage of the incredible scenes quickly going viral across the globe.
For many, it was one of the biggest player welcomes seen in recent football history.
The 34-year-old Egyptian, who landed aboard a private jet after ending his legendary nine-year spell with Liverpool, admitted even he was stunned by the reception.
“I honestly can’t even remember if I’ve seen something like this before,” Salah said.
“I’m very happy to be here. There are 25,000 fans… it’s unbelievable.”
Trabzonspor embraced the hysteria by posting “Salah mode: ON” as the Egyptian boarded his private jet before later welcoming their marquee signing with the message “Welcome, Egyptian King.”
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The Turkish club announced on Tuesday it had entered negotiations with Salah, who is expected to sign a two-year deal with an option for a third worth a reported €17 million (A$19.6 million) per season.
After arriving in Trabzon, Salah made it clear he wasn’t joining the club for a farewell tour.
“I am really happy and looking forward to training with the team,” he said.
“Everywhere I go I always win or try to win something. Hopefully we can do something within the league and in Europe as well.”
While Trabzonspor fans celebrated one of the biggest signings in the club’s history, the move has left many in England scratching their heads.
Former Liverpool striker Dean Saunders admitted he was blindsided by Salah’s decision to swap Anfield for the Turkish Super Lig.
“I’m stunned. What has Mo Salah done?” Saunders said.
“Why on earth has he left Liverpool to go there?”
Salah leaves Liverpool as one of the greatest players ever to wear the famous red shirt, scoring 257 goals in 442 appearances, winning every major trophy available and cementing his place as the club’s third-highest goalscorer of all time.