A large part of Ilkay Gündogan’s family lives in Turkey, and the DFB captain has deep ties to the country. But he had to wait a long time for his premiere on Saturday.
DFB captain Ilkay Gündogan feels great anticipation for his first international match against Turkey – and a deep connection to his parents’ home country.
“I try to travel to Turkey at least once every year. Istanbul is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world and I love Turkish food,” said the 33-year-old to the German Press Agency. “My grandparents, parents and other relatives still live in Turkey in Izmir, and of course I also have many friends there.”
72. Deployment for Germany
In “difficult moments” such as the forest fires in 2021 or the earthquake this year, he “also supported and helped out on site with charity projects,” said Gündogan, who will most likely be in the sold-out Berlin Olympic Stadium on Saturday (8:45 p.m. / RTL). will appear for the German national football team for the 72nd time. “It will be a very special game for me – no question about it.”
Gündogan led the DFB selection as captain in a game for the first time in March 2019. Almost a year earlier, the photo of him, his teammate Mesut Özil and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan caused great criticism and months of excitement around the national team. Unlike Özil, Gündogan dealt with the case openly, explained himself and remained an integral part of the DFB selection.
Gündoğans: “Hope for a great football festival”
Gündogan was missing from the test against Turkey in October 2020 (3:3). “When I think about it, it took quite a long time. But I’m really looking forward to it,” said the FC Barcelona professional, who won the Champions League with Manchester City in Istanbul in June, about his personal debut. “I hope for a great football festival.”
He usually follows the Turkish selection on TV. “If we play at the same time, then at least in the summary afterwards,” said the midfielder. “I was very happy when Turkey qualified for the European Championships and I’m also convinced that they can pull off a surprise.”
Source: Stern
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