17.10.2025 16:03
Romania national team head coach Mircea Lucescu announced that he has invited Turkish footballer Ümit Akdağ, who was born in Bucharest and plays for Alanyaspor, to the national team, but the player prefers to play for Turkey.
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Mircea Lucescu, who managed the Turkish National Football Team between 2017-2019 and is currently at the helm of the Romanian National Team, made striking statements in an interview with the Romanian press. The 80-year-old experienced coach spoke about Ümit Akdağ, who was born in Bucharest and currently plays for Alanyaspor.
"I SPOKE WITH ÜMİT AKDAĞ"
Lucescu described his conversation with the young footballer, saying, "I spoke with Ümit Akdağ, I tried to convince him to wear the Romanian jersey, but it didn't work. I told him to think a little more. He still hopes to be called up to the Turkish National Team. However, it is difficult for him to play there because there are players who emerged alongside me."
"HE WANTS TO PLAY FOR TURKEY"
The Romanian coach explained the reasons affecting Ümit Akdağ's decision, saying, "I told him that it would be difficult to play in Turkey, but here he has a chance. At least until Dragu?in returns. He said he talked to his family. He was born in Bucharest but returned to Turkey because his family is Turkish. Of course, he wants to return to where his roots are. He wants to play for Turkey."
WHO IS ÜMİT AKDAĞ?
Ümit Akdağ, born in Bucharest, started his football career in Turkey. The player, who drew attention with his performance at a young age, currently plays for Alanyaspor, one of the teams in the Trendyol Super League.
The 22-year-old footballer, who holds both Turkish and Romanian passports, can play in midfield and wing positions. Ümit Akdağ has played in 7 matches for Alanyaspor this season.
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