Atinc Nukan excels against Gaziantepspor [divider]

Atınç Nukan was given his first Süper Lig start for Beşiktaş by Slaven Bilic in their 1-0 win against Gaziantepspor.

The 1.96m tall defender won eight aerial duals, more than any other player in the game. Nukan also made the highest number of clearances – 11.

“We knew it would be a tough game and we went into the first half break knowing we had to do better,” Nukan said.

“I tried my best, I don’t get a lot of playing time so when I found out I would be given a chance I did not want to disappoint the manager. 

“I have worked very hard in training trying to develop and improve. 

“I finally managed to win the confidence of my manager and he gave me a shot today. 

“The more I play the better I will become, Slaven Bilic has helped me become a far better player, I have learn so much from him, he always lets me know what I must work on and how I can improve.

“I am not the man of the match, the team game a star performance.”

Nukan also revealed why he could not hold back his tears at the end of the game.

“I grew up at this club, I am made it through the youth teams to the senior team, this was my childhood dream and when the fans called me over at the end of the game I was overwhelmed with emotion,” Nukan said.