The international break was for many Lille residents an opportunity to return home and in most cases play the qualifiers for the 2026 World Cup. Among the Mastiffs selected was goalkeeper Berke Ă–zer, called up by Turkey to face Bulgaria on Saturday and Georgia next Tuesday.
However, the latter would have already left this gathering to return to the North of France. A departure experienced as a defection by the Turkish Football Federation which this Sunday is taking aim at its goalkeeper. “ Berke Özer left our training center upon his return to Istanbul (…), and this without the authorization of our technical and administrative managementis denounced in a press release. As we selflessly strive to qualify for the World Cup, such behavior is unacceptable! »
From the point of view of the Turkish management, the last Lille bastion would simply have had a hard time not being on the scoresheet for the trip to Bulgaria on Saturday evening (1-6 Turkish victory). Hence his sneaky departure. A version of the facts contested on social networks by the main person concerned this Sunday.
Ă–zer gives his version
“ I indicated that if I was not in the squad for the match, it would be best for me to spend this period resting and undergoing treatmentsays Berke Özer.
Despite this, after being called up, I joined the camp with the pride of wearing my country's jersey, as always. Throughout the internship, I showed no signs of diminishing motivation. But when I saw the scoresheet, I understood how pointless the discussions we had been having for days were and that the decision-makers of my country's team, which I proudly represent abroad, were not motivated by performance or the will to win. »
And to add: “ This decision is in no way intended to harm or disrespect my teammates. On the contrary, I have always been honored to be part of our fantastic goaltending rotation, with whom I have competed for many years and whose quality I am proud of. For me, the national team is the greatest source of pride in my career. » Saturday in Sofia, Ugurcan Çakir (Galatasaray) kept the Turkish cage. Altay Bayindir (Manchester United) and Mert Günok (Besiktas) were on the bench. That is to say four doormen summoned by the Italian Vincenzo Montella in total.
