Kerem Aktürkoğlu's Fenerbahçe Confessions

Fenerbahçe's Turkey international Kerem Aktürkoğlu delivered a highly heartfelt and striking performance at a press conference held ahead of a Champions League match. The international player shared his assessments both on the team's performance in recent matches and his own career.

Speaking about the team's league performance, Aktürkoğlu clearly stated that he takes on the responsibility: "We wanted to start the league well but it didn't happen, the responsibility belongs to us. I think we've drawn the necessary lessons. Both our coach spoke with us, and we spoke among ourselves. We have a very important match ahead of us where we can react." The international also made a notable comment on the pressure environment at Fenerbahçe: "If you're going to play at Fenerbahçe, there will of course be pressure, and if there isn't, there's a problem. If you're playing at a big club, you need to be able to handle the pressure. I see the pressure as an opportunity."

Adopting a mature stance in the face of criticism directed at him, Aktürkoğlu said: "There is probably no period in which I haven't been criticised. I don't want to load the criticism onto myself negatively, I always see it as an opportunity. It is you who can turn the criticism into a positive. In football, there are good days and bad days. What separates great players and great teams is the reaction they show in difficult moments."

In one of the most notable moments of the press conference, the international offered a smile-inducing statement about his shirt number preference: "I love the number 7. We spoke with Fred, and he received it positively. Since 9 is a striker's number, there's pressure with that." Aktürkoğlu's heartfelt and mature comments were welcomed with appreciation both by fans and the football community.

Image: Sabah