---
title: "Ruslan Malinovskyi in Turkey: Fanatic Welcome and Start of Preparations at Trabzonspor"
description: "Ruslan Malinovskyi has officially become a player for Trabzonspor! 🇺🇦🇹🇷 Thousands of fans greeted him at the airport with flowers and chants. The midfielder has already completed his first training session with the team and revealed that the main factor in his transfer was his role in the team and qualification for the Europa League. 🏃‍♂️⚽"
date: 2026-07-07T14:04:00.000Z
lang: en
url: https://xab.info/en/posts/ruslan-malinovskiy-in-turkey-fanatic-welcome-and-start-of-preparations-at-trabzonspor
tags: []
publisher: "XAB.info"
---

# Ruslan Malinovskyi in Turkey: Fanatic Welcome and Start of Preparations at Trabzonspor

![Ruslan Malinovskyi in the yellow jersey of the Ukrainian national team with number 8, pointing during a match](https://xab.info/media/2026/07/07/ruslan-malinovskiy-v-turtsii-burnyy-priem-fanatov-i-start-podgotovki-v-trabzonspore/ruslan-malinovskiy-v-turtsii-burnyy-priem-fanatov-i-start-podgotovki-v-trabzonspore-1.webp)

Ukrainian midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi has officially begun a new chapter in his career. The 33-year-old midfielder, who finished his stint with Italian side Genoa, arrived in Turkey as a free agent and joined Trabzonspor's pre-season camp. His arrival became a major event for the city of Trabzon, where the footballer was greeted with incredible enthusiasm.

### Wild Ovations at the Airport

The arrival of the Ukrainian football star at Trabzon airport turned into a ceremonial show. Representatives of the club, known for their "maroon and blue" colors, organized a welcome with flowers for the guest. However, the main heroes of the moment were the fans. A huge crowd of supporters waiting for the footballer at the terminal exit gave him wild ovations, chanting the name of the new signing. The atmosphere was so charged that Malinovskyi immediately felt the support of his new team.

### Why Trabzonspor?

Ruslan Malinovskyi himself revealed the details of his transfer. He admitted that the management of the Turkish club showed maximum persistence during negotiations, but the decisive factors were not just the financial terms. A key role was played by a special conversation with head coach Fatih Terim, who clearly outlined the Ukrainian's role on the pitch. Furthermore, the team's guaranteed qualification for the Europa League became a powerful argument for signing the contract.

Before putting his signature to the three-year agreement, Malinovskyi conducted serious behind-the-scenes work. He gathered all the necessary information about the club, relying on the advice of former and current teammates well-versed in the Turkish football scene. His main consultants were Caleb Ekuban (the Ghanaian forward of Genoa, who previously played for Trabzonspor), as well as Ukrainians Oleksandr Zubkov and Arseniy Batagov.

### First Training Session and Season Plans

Without losing time after the emotional welcome, the midfielder immediately headed to the club's Mehmet Ali Yılmaz training base. There, Trabzonspor officially kicked off preparations for the new season, and Malinovskyi held his first full training session with the main group. He was joined in the work by other summer newcomers: Noah Savio, Thierry Karnell Karadeniz, Melih Kabasakal, and Mete Han Mimaroglu.

During the first session, coach Fatih Terim focused on integration work and getting the players acquainted. However, the coaching staff has already warned the team about a serious increase in tactical loads in the coming days to prepare the squad for upcoming challenges.

### The Ukrainian Footprint in the Team

Malinovskyi's arrival will strengthen the Ukrainian representation within the Trabzonspor structure. Defender Arseniy Batagov already plays for the club, who, unfortunately, is currently under medical supervision due to a knee injury. Another leader of the Ukrainian national team, Oleksandr Zubkov, left the Turkish club this summer to conquer the Greek championship with AEK Athens.

Recall that last season in Serie A, Ruslan Malinovskyi played 35 matches, scoring six goals and providing three assists. Now, all his energy will be directed towards helping Trabzonspor achieve new heights.