Turkish footballer Cenk Sahin. PHOTO: AFP
ISTANBUL: A Turkish footballer let go by a German club for supporting Turkey’s operation in northern Syria now will be training in Turkey, announced Turkish club Medipol Basaksehir on Tuesday.
"Cenk Sahin requested to train on our premises to keep in playing shape. This is his home, so our door is open to him. I’m also proud of his social media comments," Goksel Gumusdag, the head of Medipol Basaksehir, said on the club website on Tuesday.
Sahin had played for top-tier Turkish league football club Medipol Basaksehir before joining German club St. Pauli.
US slaps sanctions on Turkey, demands Syria ceasefire
"We Turks are united behind our rightful causes. l am proud of him [Sahin] for his spirited comment,” said Gumusdag.
“There is no reason to be against it."
Sahin had written on Instagram: "We are standing by our heroic Turkish soldiers and army. Our prayers are with you!"
On Tuesday, Sahin declared himself "honored to be invited and supported by the Turkish club president."
On Monday, St. Pauli released Sahin after an internal review of his social media posts, citing “his repeated disregard for the club’s values and the need to protect the player."
"FC St. Pauli is granting Cenk Sahin permission to train with and play matches for other clubs," the club added.
Turkey on October 9 launched Operation Peace Spring in northern Syria to secure Turkey’s borders, aid in the safe return of Syrian refugees, and ensure Syria’s territorial integrity.
COMMENTS
Comments are moderated and generally will be posted if they are on-topic and not abusive.
For more information, please see our Comments FAQ