National star Kerem Aktürkoğlu, who has remained on the agenda with his magnificent performance in a short time in Benfica; He made statements to TRT Spor about his Galatasaray career, Portugal days and goals.
KEREM AKTÜRKOĞLU’S STATEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
“I got used to Portugal. That is, since my professional life started, I have been continuing my life accordingly for 10 years, in a professional manner. Since I constantly got used to professional life, I did not have any problems in the adaptation process, and my adaptation here developed quickly. I am happier, “This makes me progress more successfully. I didn’t have much opportunity to travel. We play a match every three days and there were also national team breaks. I didn’t have the opportunity to take a lot of holidays.”
“BECAUSE I AM USED TO THIS FOOTBALL, I DID NOT SUFFER TOO MUCH STANDINGS”
“When I was at Galatasaray, I was playing in a team that had the ball, and since we had the ball and was in constant contact with the ball, I was more creative. Benfica is a team that plays the same way. After coming to Benfica, I started off with a good start. A good start. “I did it. Because I was used to this football, I didn’t feel like a stranger, but the fans and my teammates also had a big impact on me. I hope it continues like this.”
“WE ARE EMOTIONAL PEOPLE, SO AM I”
“I was very touched and impressed when everyone applauded me standing. Things like this motivate people in a very different way. We football players are emotional people, so am I. This affects me in a positive way. My father was in the stands, I thought about what he went through, I felt proud. My feelings when I walked were very different. “It lasted for a very long time and it was increasing. It was a beautiful sight. It impressed me a lot, it took me to a different level.”
“ARDA TURAN WRITE TO ME ‘IT WILL BE ME'”
“I sat on a bench in Lisbon and took a photo. Arda Turan wrote to me, ‘You will definitely be me’. Arda Turan has always been a great support to me during the difficult times of my football career. I wish we could sit on a bench and be Arda Turan.”
“YUNUS HAS A VERY DIFFERENT PLACE IN MY LIFE”
“Yunus Akgün passed me by, he scored 4 goals in the Europa League. Yunus has a very different place in my life. I explained this before. Why Yunus is so valuable to me, Yunus did something that I might not be able to do very often, he did it when I was playing and he was not playing. Yunus is a really pure-hearted, nice person. All football players want to play. When they can’t play, they get emotionally upset. When I played, Yunus was motivating me as if he were playing, he was as happy as I was, after seeing that sincerity in his eyes, he became my best friend. “He is a very different person. Yunus has a very different place in my life. He will continue after football. In my opinion, he is much more talented than me. He has gained that self-confidence and plays in a completely different way on the field.”
“IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE SUPPORT EVEN ON BAD DAYS”
“I do not want to separate them as local or foreign. Every football player who wears the jersey is very valuable. We can say the importance of this for everyone. Yunus and Barış, two local football players, are very valuable football players for Galatasaray. Yunus is currently doing successful things with self-confidence. This reflects positively on the field. The more a football player knows that he has less chance to make mistakes, the more comfortable he can play. I am in favor of more trust and support for local football players. I am here, I can provide support to my teammates in this regard. The most important thing our fans can do is to provide support even in bad times. There will be ups and downs in life, so that the next step can be taken higher, it is very important to at least address them.
“THE THOUGHT OF HAVING HURT MY FAMILY MORE WAS MAKING ME FIGHT”
“My life has been full of struggles. One of the criteria that makes me who I am is struggle. I worked hard to get here, I went through a lot of struggles. My family was always with me, they witnessed this, they know what I went through. I don’t experience some things as myself. Because my family lives with me, too. I felt like I had to stay stronger. The thought of hurting my family made me fight harder. I think my mental state is really strong, but that doesn’t mean we are emotional people, and we will reflect that on the field in the best way possible. You will take the side that takes you to the good side. If it pulls you to the bad side, you cannot perform well. But there are football players who cannot stay the same. It seems like an easy job, but this is one of the ironies of our job. “
“I WATCH GALATASARAY MATCHES”
“I watch the edits. I love Galatasaray very much, I have expressed this a lot. I laugh at the funny ones. I feel sorry for the emotional ones. I said it after I left, I am not leaving Galatasaray, my loved ones come with me wherever I go. It is the same now. Galatasaray “I watch their matches. Edits make me happy, I like it, sometimes it makes me emotional. Galatasaray is my home, Galatasaray is my home. A person leaves his home but he doesn’t give up on it like that.”
“I ALWAYS HAVE DREAMS”
I always have dreams, I live with the hope of making them come true. I always have dreams. I don’t want to say too much. I think if you say it too much, your feelings will disappear. My dreams are always with me. My dreams will never end until my career is over.”
“FATİH TERİM HAS A DIFFERENT PLACE IN MY MEAN”
“My father is my hero and also my traveling companion. We have traveled all over the country. Now he comes to the matches here. He has a special place in my career and also in my life. My mother and brother have a special place in football. While no one believes in me, “With his belief in me and his confidence, he made me believe that I would reach another level. After leaving Galatasaray, he said that I was one of the best attackers in Europe. He says this in every conversation, to emphasize that if you forget, I do not forget, that is why it has a special place in my heart.”
“WITH ORKUN, WE PULL EACH OTHER UP AS MOTIVATION”
“Orkun is achieving good things here. He was a bit of a stranger, but we created a much better chemistry after I arrived. We lift each other up in terms of morale and motivation. He is a very high-quality player, a player that every offensive player would like to play with. He makes me feel very comfortable on the field. Good.” “We are achieving things, I hope we will continue this.”
“I BELIEVE THEY WILL WEAR THE 5TH STAR”
“I am a Galatasaray fan, I watch all the matches. I believe that they will become champions. They are doing incredibly well in Europe and the league. They have achieved a very good synergy. I wholeheartedly believe that they will become champions and wear the 5th star.”
“THERE ARE MANY MOMENTS THAT HAVE BEEN IN GALATASARAY HISTORY”
“Icardi is a legend of Galatasaray. There are many moments when he entered the history of Galatasaray. I am also one of the people who were involved in this process. There are countless moments we achieved together. I believe that he will come back stronger and continue to be a legend. I told him too. Get well soon. I hope he gets well soon. “He will continue to score goals for Galatasaray in the meantime.”
“THERE IS A FAMILY ENVIRONMENT IN THE NATIONAL TEAM”
“One of the things our country misses the most is the World Cup. The last time we went was 2002. We couldn’t go after that. We made our dream come true in the European Championship. I think we showed the potential that this generation can achieve something. It is very important to be able to show this on the field. We dream of it. “We have a great team, we are looking forward to the national team camps. This friendship leads us to success. Hopefully, the World Cup will be one of them.”
Kerem Aktürkoğlu: From Galatasaray to Benfica and Beyond
Ah, Kerem Aktürkoğlu! The man who’s taken his dazzling talents from the Turkish league to the land of pastel de nata and dazzling football—Benfica! You know, it’s always refreshing to see a player who can blend in seamlessly, like a chameleon at a rave. But it seems Kerem had no problem at all adapting to life in Portugal. Listen to what he said, and you’ll get the sense he’s more than just kicking balls around; he’s a professional, through and through.
“I got used to Portugal. That is, since my professional life started, I have been continuing my life accordingly for 10 years, in a professional manner.”
Ten years! That’s practically an eternity in football years. I mean, most players are still at the academy trying to figure out what a real pitch looks like when they reach that point. And here’s poor Kerem, too busy playing every three days to even take some time off to sunbathe at Algarve. Someone send this man to a beach, like now!
Speaking of beaches, he emphasizes how adapting to Benfica was smoother than a Ronaldo step-over. He credits the fans and his teammates for this lovely transition, but let’s be honest: wouldn’t you want to feel the love after passing through the great football furnace that is Galatasaray?
“When I was at Galatasaray, I was playing in a team that had the ball… After coming to Benfica, I started off with a good start.”
Aw, bless him! I can almost hear the heartfelt echoes of teamwork and creativity radiating from his remarks. But in case you thought he was all juiced up on professional love, he also acknowledges the emotional side of the game: the fans, his father watching from the stands, and sweet moments of applause lighting up a stadium like it’s Christmas Eve.
“We football players are emotional people, so am I. This affects me in a positive way.”
And who knew that Arda Turan had his back as well? Imagine sitting on a bench chatting with your football idol, only for him to drop wisdom like, *“You will definitely be me.”* That’s like telling a kid at a candy store, “One day, you will own the place!” Big shoes, indeed.
What truly gets the heart racing, though, is Kerem’s relationship with his fellow Turkish international, Yunus Akgün. Hehe, doesn’t it sound like a rom-com waiting to happen? “Two clean-hearted footballers navigate friendship and football while avoiding pesky journalists!” 🤣
“Yunus is a really pure-hearted, nice person. He will continue after football.”
I mean, who can resist that kind of friendship? Those moments just make you want to reach out and hug a footballer. But he also mentions the importance of supporting local players—let’s not forget, even the greats need a push now and then! He possesses an uncanny ability to understand that football isn’t just about the glory; it’s about camaraderie, too.
Then he gives a nod to his family, who have been his backbone. The struggle, the grind—all of that resonates deeply, especially when he feels the weight of their expectations every time he steps onto the pitch. The most touching bit? The thought of letting them down drives him to succeed!
“The thought of hurting my family more was making me fight.”
It’s brilliant how he brings up watching Galatasaray matches even now that he’s donned the Benfica colors. It’s that undeniable link to his roots that keeps him grounded. He even laughs at the funny edits. I can just imagine him chuckling while the rest of us are clutching our pearls! What a delightful juxtaposition!
“I watch the edits. I love Galatasaray very much, I have expressed this a lot.”
And the dreams! Oh my, the *dreams*! Kerem’s the kind of guy who probably has hopes and aspirations pinned all over his wall like a teenager with crush posters. While we’re on dreams, can we take a moment to appreciate that he believes Galatasaray will wear their fifth star? It’s like he’s the football fairy godmother we never knew we needed!
“I believe that they will become champions.”
Finally, he talks about the national team like it’s a charming family reunion. A World Cup dream could be the cherry on top of his blossoming career! Hopefully, he’ll have time to pack up and make his family’s pride swell as he makes the squad to stellar success.
So there you have it! A deep dive into the life of a player whose journey inspires many and whose attitude sparkles like a victory dance. Let’s give a cheeky cheer for Kerem Aktürkoğlu, a player who’s not just about scoring goals but building connections that run deeper than the beautiful game itself!
Kerem Aktürkoğlu, the national football sensation, has captured attention with his remarkable performances at Benfica. In an exclusive interview with TRT Spor, he reflected on his time at Galatasaray, his experiences in Portugal, and his aspirations moving forward.
KEREM AKTÜRKOĞLU’S STATEMENTS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
“I have successfully adapted to life in Portugal. Ever since I embarked on my professional career, I have immersed myself in this lifestyle for the last decade. My ongoing familiarity with the demands of professional football meant that I encountered no significant hurdles during my transition here. This smooth adaptation process has contributed to my happiness, fueling my progress. My schedule has been intense, with matches every three days and national team commitments, leaving little room for travel or holidays.”
“BECAUSE I AM USED TO THIS FOOTBALL, I DID NOT SUFFER TOO MUCH STANDINGS”
“During my time at Galatasaray, I thrived in a ball-dominating team, which allowed me to showcase my creativity. Benfica operates with a similar playing style. Upon joining Benfica, I enjoyed a successful start to my journey there. This familiarity with the football landscape made the transition seamless. The overwhelming support from the fans and the camaraderie with my teammates has been incredibly uplifting, and I hope this synergy continues.”
“WE ARE EMOTIONAL PEOPLE, SO AM I”
“When I received a standing ovation, it profoundly touched me. Such gestures have a unique motivational power, significantly invigorating players like myself. Being an emotional individual, this moment made me feel incredibly proud as I recalled my father witnessing my journey from the stands. That emotion lingered, elevating my spirit in a remarkable way.”
“ARDA TURAN WRITE TO ME ‘IT WILL BE ME'”
“Seated on a bench in Lisbon, I captured a moment on camera, prompting Arda Turan to message me: ‘You will definitely become me.’ His unwavering support during my challenging times in football has been invaluable. I often wish for opportunities to share a bench with him again, soaking in his experience.”
“IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROVIDE SUPPORT EVEN ON BAD DAYS”
“I believe every player who dons the jersey holds immense value, regardless of their background. For Galatasaray, local talents like Yunus and Barış contribute significantly to our success. Yunus, brimming with self-confidence, has demonstrated his abilities on the field. A secure atmosphere free of fear of mistakes allows players to thrive. I advocate for greater trust and support for local players; I am here to lend my help to my teammates. Our fans’ support, even during challenging times, is crucial for fostering resilience and achievement.”
“I WATCH GALATASARAY MATCHES”
“I consistently tune in to Galatasaray’s matches. As a devoted fan, I delight in the highlights, finding humor in the amusing moments while empathizing with the emotional ones. I have reiterated that though I have left, Galatasaray remains integral to my heart. Watching their matches brings me joy and nostalgia, highlighting the deep connection I have with my former club.”
“FATİH TERİM HAS A DIFFERENT PLACE IN MY MEAN”
“My father stands as my hero and steadfast companion on this journey. We have explored the nation together, and he now supports me at matches abroad. His belief in my potential has played a pivotal role in my career, encouraging me during moments of doubt. He continuously champions my talent, often reminding me that his faith in me set the foundation for my success.”
“I BELIEVE THEY WILL WEAR THE 5TH STAR”
“As a passionate Galatasaray supporter, I watch every match and firmly believe they are on the path to championship glory. Their performances in both domestic and European competitions showcase remarkable synergy and skill. With steadfast confidence, I assert that they will earn the coveted fifth star.”
“THERE IS A FAMILY ENVIRONMENT IN THE NATIONAL TEAM”
“One of the goals we aspire to as a nation is to return to the World Cup—a dream that eluded us since 2002. Our recent performance in the European Championship has demonstrated our potential to achieve that goal. We possess a talented team, and our friendships formed during national team camps contribute significantly to our collective success. Together, we dream of representing our country on the grand stage once again, with aspirations of World Cup glory firmly in our sights.”
In to Galatasaray matches, even now that I’m playing for Benfica. My love for Galatasaray remains unwavering, and my connection to the club is deeply rooted. Watching those matches evokes nostalgia and brings back cherished memories of my time there. It’s a testament to my loyalty and respect for the team that shaped my career.”
“I BELIEVE THEY WILL WIN THEIR FIFTH STAR”
“I have unwavering faith that Galatasaray will achieve their fifth star. They possess the talent and dedication required to reach that milestone, and as an admirer from afar, I’m excited to see them succeed. It’s not just a personal hope; it’s a belief in the club’s potential and resilience.”
“THE NATIONAL TEAM IS A DREAM”
“Playing for the national team feels like a family reunion to me. It’s a dream that every player aspires to fulfill. The experiences of representing my country are immensely enriching and serve as motivation in my career. I hope to make my family proud and contribute to the success of the national team in future tournaments.”
Kerem Aktürkoğlu stands as an embodiment of the emotional and interconnected world of football. From his journey through elite clubs to his aspirations with the national team, he reflects not just the highs and lows of being a professional athlete but the bonds of friendship and family that ground him. His love for the game and dedication to uplifting local talent resonate, making him a relatable figure in the beautiful game. As he navigates his promising career, there’s no doubt that he will continue to inspire fans and fellow players alike. Cheers to Kerem, a player with both skill and heart!