RETURN OF A LEGEND

The news of a visit to Baku by the world famous Turkish football player Hakan Sukur was a real surprise to many. Although the veteran, who once scored a goal in Baku as a member of the Turkish national team, is now a member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkey, in Azerbaijan he was expected as a player.

Aides said it will be impossible to interview the MP due to his tight schedule and noted that even during his visit to Azerbaijan Hakan Sukur will be able to spare us only 10 minutes.

But with the assistance of an adviser of FC Baku, Tunc Afsar, we managed to get in touch with the leader of legendary Galatasaray before his visit to Baku.

- We are always glad to see you in Azerbaijan. Your current visit is a bit of a surprise ...

- My visit to your country will take place at the invitation of FC Baku President Hafiz Mammadov. I was informed that Baku will host a grand football match between Atletico Madrid and FC Baku. I will also follow this friendly match. Then I will take part in a match of veteran players dedicated to the memory of the great son of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev. I think during the two days I will spend in Baku, I will also hold important meetings. I have not been to Azerbaijan for quite a long time. Perhaps, the changes that happened here will surprise me in a good way.

- In Azerbaijan, when we say Hakan Sukur, we always first remember Galatasaray and then the Turkish national team ...

- (Smiles) It's natural. In the past we had successful games and stunning victories in the club and in the national team. I know that in fraternal Azerbaijan many sincerely rejoiced at each of our successes.

- Will you play at the match of veteran football stars in Baku or just watch the game?

- Of course, I will go on the pitch. According to my information, this match will bring together a number of famous football players of the past. The game will be watched by guests from Turkey. I think the fans will see an interesting game. I will go on the pitch under number 9.

- Most likely, the invitation from Azerbaijan was a surprise ...

- The eternally busy schedule forces me to give up some trips. But I am always very happy about invitations from Azerbaijan. As for the invitation to take part in the veterans' friendly, I found out about it 15 days earlier. Of course, I agreed. We have always been warmly welcomed in Azerbaijan. It will be interesting to go on the pitch in Baku once again.

- What can Hakan Sukur say about the performance of Ga-latasaray in the Champions League this season ...

- Galatasaray did very well this season. Making it into the quarterfinals in such a prestigious tournament like the Champions League is a good result. I think the fans should be pleased with the play of their team this season. Today, I can say, it is the best result. Although we lost to Real Madrid in the quarterfinals, we must not forget that Galatasaray players fought such a strong opponent to the very end.

- Do you follow football in Azer-baijan?

- I know that in your country sports are taken care of at the state level. All sports are developing. I know about the results of some of the matches of the Azerbaijani national team in the qualifying stage. You are paying great attention to the Olympics. We are pleased with every success of your country.

- A few years ago, the national football team of Azerbaijan even beat the Turkish national team in Baku...

- I remember that. I think you won with a score of 1-0. That match caused great repercussions in Turkey. Although our players planned to return from Azerbaijan with a victory, there were left without points. At that time, during matches with the national team of Azerbaijan, the stadiums always had a full house. Perhaps the situation is the same now. Everyone knows that your team plays better at home. Therefore, going on the pitch in Baku, even strong teams try to be careful.

- Although in Azerbaijan there is progress in all sports, in football we have not been able to achieve what we want...

- Football is not an easy game. Now it is developing all over the world, competition is growing, and even small countries are getting stronger. I was told that perfect conditions have been created for children's football in Azerbaijan. Some time is needed. In football, it is difficult to succeed in the shortest possible time. The current efforts will bear fruit in the future. After a few years, today's young students will have their say in different teams.

- What was the secret of the star team of Galatasaray, for which Hakan Sukur, Bulent Korkmaz and others played?

- It is difficult to return to that period. We had a spirit of unity and victory. Great understanding on the pitch helped us. The results achieved in that period contributed to the development of football in Turkey.

- But later the Turkish national team performed poorly in the qualifying rounds. Its performance is also unsteady in this season ...

- It is difficult to judge the national team. Perhaps, there are some problems. It's better if the national team coaches tell about this. It would be wrong to discuss it from aside.

- Will we be able to see the performance of that same Hakan Sukur in Baku?

- (Smiles) I have already completed my football career. As you know, I am now working in an entirely different field. Of course, it is impossible to forget football. Anyone who goes on the pitch at the veterans' match will seek to play his best. This match should remain in the memory of fans for a long time.

- Thank you for the interview.

- Greetings to all of Azerbaijan and I wish good luck to everyone. God willing, I'll see you in Baku!