Inside Mo Salah’s new life at Trabzonspor with star ‘obsessed with chess’ and fans turning his hikes into pilgrimages

Mohamed Salah is adapting to a quieter lifestyle in Turkey following his departure from Liverpool to join Trabzonspor. Seeking a lower profile away from the intense media scrutiny in England, the 34-year-old forward has reportedly taken up chess, regular hikes in Yayla, and a taste for the local salted-yoghurt drink ayran. Meanwhile, local supporters have embraced the Egyptian international, turning his popular hiking spots into destinations for fan photos.

Salah joined Trabzonspor on a free transfer last summer after signing a lucrative two-year deal featuring a reported £14.6 million base salary plus £4.3 million in bonuses. The former Premier League star has quickly delivered on the pitch, tallying ten goals and five assists in 15 matches to help lift Trabzonspor into third place in the league table.