Fresh off his dazzling performance and man of the match award in Turkey’s 3-1 victory over Georgia, Real Madrid’s Arda Güler spoke to the media, reflecting on the match and his growing stardom.
Pre-Match Encouragement from Ancelotti
Güler revealed a pre-match message from his club manager, Carlo Ancelotti: “Ancelotti texted me before the game and wished me success. That meant a lot.”
READ: Who is Arda Guler? The 18-year-old ‘Turkish Messi’ Wanted by Europe’s Biggest Clubs
Real Madrid: A Source of Motivation
The 19-year-old went on to acknowledge his club’s influence: “Real Madrid’s support also motivates me a lot. Finishing the season strongly with them gave me confidence coming into this tournament.”
Handling the Spotlight
Güler isn’t fazed by the growing expectations surrounding him: “There is a special interest in me, but I try to be worthy of it.”
Dream Goal and Team Focus
Speaking about his stunning goal, he said: “It’s an incredible feeling. I’ve been dreaming of scoring a goal like that at this level.” Despite the individual recognition, Güler emphasized: “I don’t care about personal achievements. I care about the team. I’m delighted to do my bit.”
Tough Match, Special Support
While acknowledging the challenge Georgia presented, Güler praised the passionate Turkish fans: “The support in the stands was incredible.” He also added a touch of sentiment: “Getting the win for coach Montella on his birthday makes it even better.”
Güler’s focus remains firmly on the team as Turkey looks to build on their opening EURO victory. His humility and dedication to the team, coupled with his undeniable talent, make him a player to watch for the rest of the tournament.