Mohamed Salah says a future reunion with Liverpool would bring “mixed feelings” after ending his nine-year spell at Anfield to join Turkish side Trabzonspor.
The Egypt international left Liverpool on a free transfer in June, bringing an end to an extraordinary period with the club that included two Premier League titles and a UEFA Champions League triumph.
Salah, 34, made the surprise move to the Turkish Super Lig during the summer and has made an encouraging start to life with Trabzonspor. He has scored three goals in his first five games for the club.
However, the forward cannot face Liverpool this season because Trabzonspor are competing in the Conference League while the English club are involved in the Champions League.
Asked how he would feel if he came up against his former side later in his career, Salah acknowledged that the occasion would be difficult because of the close bond he developed with Liverpool and the city during his time there.
"I would feel mixed feelings, because I’ve been there nine years.
“I love the city, I love the fans and we always had a special relationship. It would be very tricky."
Salah joined Liverpool from Roma in 2017 and quickly became one of the most important players in the club’s modern history. His departure in June ended a successful association that lasted nine years and included major domestic and European honours.
His move to Trabzonspor was one of the most unexpected transfers of the summer. Rather than remain in the Premier League, Salah opted for a new challenge in Turkey and has already made an immediate contribution in front of goal.
Despite the possibility of a future meeting with Liverpool, there will be no reunion between the clubs in this season’s European competitions. Liverpool’s Champions League campaign and Trabzonspor’s involvement in the Conference League mean they are on separate paths.
Salah will, however, return to the UK for European action in 2026. Trabzonspor have been paired with Scottish club Hearts in the first phase of the Conference League, with that fixture scheduled for October.
That trip will give Salah a return to the UK, although it will not yet place him against the club where he spent the defining years of his career. His comments underline the personal significance of Liverpool, even after his decision to begin a new chapter with Trabzonspor.