These are the words of Hakan Calhanoglu to Sky on the eve of the match between Holland and Turkey, quarter-final of Euro 2024. “The suspension against Austria? I suffered a lot, I’m not used to being out. I’m happy, the team did a great job even without me”, begins the Inter midfielder.
Demiral won’t be there, how did you take this disqualification?
“I’m so sorry for him. I don’t want to create so much controversy, there are so many discussions. We are with him, the team is with him. We have to wait for him. It’s a difficult situation, everyone has their own celebration. We are Turkish, we are like that. There have been so many controversies, I don’t want to do the same. We have to accept it and look forward”.
What drives you to be motivated by all this enthusiasm around you?
“There is a lot of enthusiasm within the team but also outside thanks to our fans. They are helping us, we are happy. I hope they can do even more tomorrow. Tomorrow we will also play for Demiral, we want to give him strength. We always believe in ourselves, we want to get to the end. Montella is very good, I was happy when he arrived.
Have you spoken to the Dutch team at Inter?
“We haven’t spoken. There will be a lot of respect, I’m happy to see Dumfries and De Vrij. When we are in the national team though it’s different, everyone does their part and wants to win.”