30.03.2026 20:51
Turkey's national football team captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu spoke before the match against Kosovo in the final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers play-off. The star player stated that they want to win, saying, "They try to provoke us, but it has never been like that. Our only goal right now is to go to the World Cup. We already approach each other with love. Those who try to tear us apart will never succeed."
The captain of the Turkish National Football Team, Hakan Çalhanoğlu, made statements at a press conference before the away match against Kosovo in the playoff final of the 2026 FIFA World Cup European Qualifiers.
'I NEVER UNDERSTIMATE ANY OPPONENT'
Expressing that they do not underestimate their opponents, Hakan Çalhanoğlu said, "Everyone has a different perspective. I never underestimate any opponent. As Inter, we were eliminated by Bodo Glimt. The president has a different viewpoint. There is one match left for the World Cup. It's not about quality, but who puts their heart into it more will win. We are aware of this and we are ready. I remember our first match against Kosovo; I was there too. They are very strong and have good players. They deserve respect. Their coach is also good."
'I KNOW SOME ALBANIAN WORDS BUT I WON'T SAY THEM'
Continuing his words, the captain said, "I know Vedat Muriqi. There is a player who plays in Como. I know some Albanian words but I won't say them. I have close friends; I won't say a word. Kosovo has many dangerous players. There is Asllani. Vedat is very good in front of the goal and in set pieces. The players who play with Kenan at Juventus are very good. I won't name them all one by one; it would be rude. They are all good and quality."
"WE GREW UP WITH THEM AND DREAMED"
Expressing that they feel the pressure but want to participate in the World Cup, the star player said, "The World Cup is something we have dreamed of since childhood... In 2002, our older brothers succeeded, and we dreamed big with them. Now I will be the one to go out for the match, and there is one match left. Our priority is to represent our country in the best way and to make our nation proud. We have taken very important steps forward with our coach in 2.5 years. The European Championship went well. The atmosphere in the team is very good. We are very motivated. We also feel the pressure."
"I WANT TO GO TO THE USA WITH THEM"
Calling on former national players, Hakan Çalhanoğlu said, "As captain, my only goal and wish is to see my older brothers who played in 2002 among us. Brother Tugay, Brother Yıldıray, Brother Alpay, Brother İlhan, Brother Bülent... I want to go to America with them. I think if we unite, a better picture will emerge. I hope if my voice is heard, I want to see them among us. Because we need their experience. I think it would create a beautiful picture."
"THEY ARE TRYING TO PROVOKE US"
Hakan stated that some groups are trying to provoke them, saying, "The team's motivation is in place. Sometimes they try to provoke us, but it has never been like that. Our only goal right now is to go to the World Cup. We are already approaching each other with love. Those who try to tear us apart will never succeed."
"MY CAREER MATCH"
Finally, Hakan Çalhanoğlu said, "I will play in my career match. I dreamed of this when I chose the National Team. We came here by scratching with our nails; no one gifted this to us. We want to represent our country in the best way. I hope I succeed, and I hope we succeed as a country. We deserve this as a country. This team deserves it. I hope we will succeed."