20.05.2025 21:10
Hikmet Karaman, who manages the Moldovan League team Zimbru, made statements regarding his future. Karaman also made a confession, revealing that he wanted to transfer Mario Balotelli to Zimbru. In his statement, he said, "I wanted to transfer Balotelli to Zimbru. However, at that time, he chose Genoa because of his family."
Hikmet Karaman, one of the important figures in Turkish football, is continuing his coaching career at Zimbru, a team in the Moldova League. Karaman led the team, which he took over mid-season, to the 3rd place in the Moldova National League, earning the right to participate in European Cups next season.
The successful coach spoke to Salim Manav from Radyospor, evaluating the season's performance and making a striking transfer confession.
'RIGHT TO PARTICIPATE IN EUROPEAN CUPS'
Hikmet Karaman stated about the overall season, "It has been a very good season for us at Zimbru. If we hadn't lost to Milsami and had drawn, we would have been champions. We finished the league in a good position and earned the right to participate in European Cups. Next season, we will compete in the Conference League with Zimbru," he said.
'I HOPE IT WILL BE PERMANENT AND SUCCESSFUL'
Speaking about Kocaelispor, which has been promoted to the Super League, Karaman said, "Kocaelispor holds a very special place for me. I took my first steps in my coaching career at Kocaelispor. I experienced the Turkey Cup championship at Kocaelispor. I hope Kocaelispor will be permanent and successful in the Super League," he expressed.
'CONTINUING TO COMPLETE HIS DEVELOPMENT'
Regarding the performance of Ali Yeşilyurt, who is on loan from Galatasaray and part of Zimbru's squad, Karaman stated, "Ali Yeşilyurt is continuing to complete his development. We brought Ali from Galatasaray to our squad and gave him chances from time to time. The handicap for Ali Yeşilyurt was this: the Moldova League is a league based on physical strength, and he experienced difficulties with that," he said.
'I WANTED BALOTELLI'
In a striking transfer confession, Hikmet Karaman said, "Balotelli is a name that made a mark on world football for a period. I wanted to transfer Balotelli to Zimbru. However, he chose Genoa at that time due to his family. I am in constant contact with Balotelli; I really like him. We last had a video call while he was at the Cannes Film Festival, and I thank him for his kind words about me," he stated.