Statement from Arda Turan about the National Team

Shakhtar Donetsk Coach Arda Turan made a statement at the press conference held at Stamford Bridge before the match against Greece's AEK team tomorrow in the UEFA Champions League.

Regarding his name being mentioned for the position of national team coach after parting ways with Italian Vincenzo Montella last week, Turan said, "I cannot explain what a great honor it is for a person. It is not possible to describe the honor and feelings I experience as someone who has played at every level of the national team before. Another thing is that it is really exciting to see people unite over my name after a long time. I cannot explain how I feel. I say this from my heart, how much I love my country, my flag. But at the same time, helping our country, working for our country, "It can be in different ways than carrying your country's flag on your chest. Sometimes you can wave your country's flag in different geographies and represent your country. I would like to thank you immensely for this favor in my country." he said.

Emphasizing that as a young coach, he can stay on the field more and improve himself more, Arda Turan said, "As a Turkish coach who became a European champion for the first time in history, I think that I held the flag that Fatih Terim took to Fiorentina and Milan years ago, and I think that doing this representative duty in this way will be more valuable and beneficial for our country." he said.

Stating that he had a promise to Shakhtar Donetsk Club throughout his contract, Turan said, "There are children whose dreams I share. There is the club president and management. While I was saying to my players, 'You should never think about AEK. We have to go one by one. Because we need this if we want to win these,' now if I bring an agenda about myself here and put it in front of the players, I think it would be unfair to the excitement and hope they are experiencing." he said.

Emphasizing that he loves his country and flag very much, the 39-year-old coach said, "But sometimes representing can be in different ways. One of the things that I regret most about all these issues is as if I wanted to be persuaded. As a citizen of the Republic of Turkey, there is no such persuasion. This really disturbs me. These are offers that one can dream of. But sometimes dreams are formed at a better time than oneself. That is why, during my contract process, I have endless gratitude for Mr. Rinat Akhmetov, Shakhtar's dreams and, most of all, the players I made a promise to." I am faithfully committed. I hope the matter is clearly understood." made his assessment.

Source: TRT Haber Spor RSS (Open Press / Translated Full Text)