Hakan Calhanoglu, the star midfielder for Inter Milan, has recently expressed his desire to one day don the iconic jersey of Turkish powerhouse Galatasaray. In an interview with Turkish newspaper Sabah, the 31-year-old acknowledged his current happiness at Inter while hinting at a possible future with the club he admires. "I am very happy at Inter, but I don’t know what the future holds," Calhanoglu stated. "I would like to move there. I would be honoured to wear the Galatasaray jersey one day," he added, reflecting on his strong ties to his homeland.
Calhanoglu's journey in football has been nothing short of remarkable. Since making the switch from AC Milan to Inter in 2021, he has blossomed into one of the world’s top midfielders. His performances have been instrumental in the Nerazzurri's success, showcasing his talent and commitment to the club. Last summer, he turned down an approach from Bayern Munich, demonstrating his loyalty to Inter and his determination to contribute to their ongoing success.
As the captain of the Turkish national team, Calhanoglu holds a special place in the hearts of his fellow countrymen. "My country and my homeland are very precious to me," he said, emphasizing the pride he feels when representing Turkey. "Wearing the national team jersey and being the captain – I can’t find the words to describe the feeling. It’s the best feeling in the world. I am aware of my responsibility; it’s an honour and a source of pride for me." His dedication to his national team is evident, and he approaches every match with a sense of duty and reverence.
This season, Calhanoglu has been in fine form, scoring nine goals and providing four assists in 33 appearances across all competitions. His contributions have not gone unnoticed, as he is expected to start in the upcoming match against his former club, AC Milan. The anticipation surrounding this clash is palpable, and fans are eager to see how the midfielder performs against his old teammates.
Calhanoglu's commitment to his family also plays a significant role in his pre-match preparations. He revealed that he always seeks his family's blessing before matches, taking the time to talk to his kids and wife. "On match days, I take a nap at midday or rest with my eyes closed. Then I take a cold shower," he explained, detailing his routine that helps him focus before a game. Interestingly, he also mentioned that when playing for the Turkish national team, he listens to the national anthem to get in the zone, while he opts for foreign music when representing Inter.
Reflecting on his career, there is one game that stands out for Calhanoglu – a remarkable match against Borussia Dortmund during his time at Hamburg. "The goal I scored from 40 meters was talked about all over the world. I can’t forget that game," he recalled, illustrating the impact that moment had on his career. Such memories serve as motivation for the midfielder as he continues to strive for greatness on the pitch.
As the season progresses, the speculation surrounding Calhanoglu's future will undoubtedly intensify. While he remains focused on his current role at Inter, the allure of joining Galatasaray is a dream that he has not shied away from discussing. With a contract that runs until June 2027, it seems unlikely that he will make a move in the immediate future, but the football world knows how quickly circumstances can change.
For now, Hakan Calhanoglu is determined to continue his impressive form and help Inter Milan achieve their goals this season. His dedication to both club and country exemplifies the passion and commitment that fans admire in their favorite players. As he prepares to face AC Milan, all eyes will be on him, and supporters will be eager to see if he can deliver another standout performance.
In conclusion, Hakan Calhanoglu remains a pivotal figure in Inter Milan's midfield, and his future, while uncertain, is filled with potential. Whether he eventually fulfills his ambition to play for Galatasaray remains to be seen, but for now, he is focused on making the most of his time at Inter and leading the Turkish national team with pride.
