“I think I’ll stay a long time to keep improving. Today, I’m not thinking about leaving at all. I’ve just joined this club and I have no interest in moving on.” PSGCED: Paris and the surrounding suburbs has a big Turkish community. What does it mean to you to be PSG’s first Turkish player?
“I’m very proud to one of the very first Turks to play in the French Ligue 1 and especially in one of the biggest French clubs. I’m honoured to play for PSG.” !Pauleta n°9!: You scored in your first match at the Parc des Princes. How did you feel at that exact moment?
“The Parc is very special. When I used to play with Sochaux, it was the stadium I loved the most. There are some great stadia in France, but the Parc has the best atmosphere. I dreamed about playing in such a great stadium with such great fans. At the moment I’m out injured, but I can’t wait to get back on the pitch!”
Dimlover: Which European league do you like the most?
“I love the English Premier League, but I’m only 22-years-old and I’m not going to rush things. I’m at PSG and I want to stay. I’m not even thinking about playing in another league. I play for one of the biggest clubs in Europe and we’ll do whatever we can to be playing in Europe next season. The French Ligue 1 is a very high standard.” psg026: What are you objectives with PSG and the Turkey team?
“With PSG, the aim is to finish in the top five because PSG is one of France’s biggest clubs. My personal aim is to beat my record of 11 goals in a season with Sochaux. Apart from that, I’m often called up for the Turkey team, but I’m not first choice, I’m considered a young player. In Turkey, the atmosphere is a bit like at PSG. The fans are very passionate. They love their country like PSG fans love their club. Turkey is a football country and PSG is a famous football club.”
Cyrilpsg: What did you notice most about the club when you joined?
“How much people love this club. I was really impressed. I always dreamed of playing for a big club, PSG in particular. It’s strange now, to look at all the players that have played here over the years. I was a huge fan of George Weah and Pauleta because they were great goal scorers. When I think that I’m now a striker for this club – it’s incredible.” Man5on: Can PSG qualify for next season’s Champions League?
“In my opinion, we can definitely qualify for the Champions League, when you look at the way we played against Lyon. Our aim is to finish in the top five but we could easily finish in the top three.” Punakuta: Did you have other offers over the summer before signing for PSG?
“I had two offers from Lyon and Rennes. From Turkey as well. But since I’d announced publicly that I wanted to join PSG, I think that put off a few other clubs.”