Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu has stirred excitement among Galatasaray fans by expressing his desire to potentially play for the Turkish giants in the future. In an interview with the Turkish newspaper Sabah, Calhanoglu, 31, reaffirmed his commitment to Inter but left the door open for a possible return to Turkey, stating, "I’m very happy at Inter. We don’t know what the future holds. I would like to move to Galatasaray. It would be an honor for me to wear the Galatasaray jersey one day."
Since joining Inter in 2021 after a challenging stint at AC Milan, Calhanoglu has emerged as one of the top midfielders in the world. His performances have been pivotal in Inter's recent successes, with head coach Simone Inzaghi considering him a cornerstone of the midfield. Calhanoglu's loyalty was tested last summer when he rejected an approach from Bayern Munich, choosing instead to continue his journey with the Nerazzurri.
Calhanoglu's admiration for Galatasaray runs deep, as he reflected on his love for his homeland. "The Turkish flag, my homeland, my country – these are very precious to me," he remarked. This sentiment resonates with many fans who view him as a potential future star for the Istanbul club.
In the same interview, Calhanoglu shared insights into his pre-match rituals, which include seeking blessings from his family. "I always ask for my family’s blessing before matches. I talk to my kids and my wife. On match days, I take a nap at midday or rest with my eyes closed. Then I take a cold shower," he explained. This routine helps him focus, especially when representing the Turkish national team, where he listens to the national anthem to prepare mentally. Conversely, when playing for Inter, he prefers to relax by listening to foreign music.
Reflecting on his career, Calhanoglu recalled a memorable moment when he scored a stunning 40-meter goal against Borussia Dortmund while playing for Hamburg. "That goal was talked about all over the world. I can’t forget that game," he said, illustrating his passion for the sport.
Calhanoglu's comments have sparked speculation regarding his future, especially with reports suggesting that he may consider a move to Galatasaray in the coming years. While he remains committed to Inter, the possibility of wearing the iconic yellow and red jersey of Galatasaray is an enticing prospect for the midfielder.
Since his arrival at Inter, Calhanoglu has played a crucial role in the team's midfield, particularly after the departure of Marcelo Brozovic, who had been a key player for the club. Brozovic's injury during the 2022/23 season prompted Inzaghi to experiment with Calhanoglu in a deeper role, a move that paid dividends as Calhanoglu adapted seamlessly to the position.
The future of Inter's midfield remains a topic of discussion, as the club seeks to identify a long-term successor for Calhanoglu should he decide to leave. Kristjan Asllani has been brought in as a potential replacement, but he has yet to fully convince the coaching staff of his capabilities to fill Calhanoglu's shoes. Other midfield options like Piotr Zielinski and Nicolò Barella have also been considered, but both players seem more suited to attacking roles rather than as a direct replacement.
As the transfer speculation heats up, Calhanoglu's statements have undoubtedly added fuel to the fire. His connection to Galatasaray, coupled with his impressive performances at Inter, makes him one of the most sought-after players in the league. Fans of both clubs will be keenly watching to see how this narrative unfolds in the coming months.
Despite the swirling rumors, Calhanoglu remains focused on his current responsibilities at Inter, where he continues to strive for success. His dedication to the club and his family rituals reflect a player grounded in his values, making his potential future move to Galatasaray even more intriguing.
With the summer transfer window on the horizon, the football world will be watching closely as Calhanoglu navigates his career path. Will he stay loyal to Inter, or will his dreams of playing for Galatasaray come to fruition? Only time will tell, but for now, Hakan Calhanoglu is firmly entrenched in the Inter Milan squad, looking to make an impact as the season progresses.
