Gündoğan's "special" match: first time against Turkey
DFB captain İlkay Gündoğan is looking forward to his first international match against Turkey - and feels a deep connection with his parents' home country.
"I try to travel to Turkey at least once a year. Istanbul is one of my absolute favorite cities in the world and I love Turkish food," the 33-year-old told the German Press Agency. "My grandparents, parents and other relatives still live in Izmir, Turkey, and of course I also have many friends there."
72nd commitment to Germany
In "difficult moments" such as the forest fires in 2021 or the earthquake this year, he "also supported and helped out locally with charity projects", said Gündoğan, who will in all likelihood make his 72nd appearance for the German national soccer team in the sold-out Berlin Olympic Stadium on Saturday (20:45/RTL). "It will be a very special game for me - no question about it."
Gündoğan first captained the DFB team as a substitute in a match in March 2019. Almost a year earlier, the photo of him, his teammate Mesut Özil and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan had caused a great deal of criticism and months of uproar around the national team. Unlike Özil, Gündoğan dealt with the case openly, explained himself and remained an integral part of the DFB selection.
Gündoğan: "Hoping for a great soccer festival"
Gündoğan was absent from the test against Turkey in October 2020 (3:3). "When I think about it, it's taken 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'm hoping for a great soccer festival."
He usually follows the Turkish team 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 Championship and I'm also convinced that they're good for a surprise."
Gündoğan mentioned his love for Turkish food and the cities Istanbul and Izmir, as his grandparents, parents, and relatives still reside there. This shows his connection with the national team of the country.
Despite his strong affiliation with Turkey, Gündoğan remains committed to the German national team, especially as he is set to make his 72nd appearance in the sold-out Berlin Olympic Stadium, playing against their common opponents, Turkey.
Source: www.dpa.com
