Orkun Kökçü: I want to do my best for this coat of arms

Orkun Kökçü, who signed a contract with Beşiktaş on Sunday and attended training camp in Austria last night, spoke to the press before morning training. Expressing his excitement, Kökçü said, “As I said, I'm excited to get started. I'm finally playing for my childhood dream team. I've met some friends, and there's a great atmosphere. We're preparing as best we can for the upcoming matches. So, everything is good, everything is good.”

'I WANT TO DO MY BEST FOR THIS ARMAMENT'

When asked about his thoughts on being welcomed at the airport and the signing ceremony held at the stadium, the national team player said, “They were two very special days. Personally, the perception is being created that I'm a world star. I didn't feel that way. I'm a Beşiktaş child. This welcome was special. Not because I thought I was a star, but because I was a Beşiktaş child. It was a wonderful time for me. I was the happiest person at that moment. It was one of the most special and beautiful days of my life. So I want to thank our fans, our president, and our board of directors. My sole focus right now is to prepare as best I can. I want to do my best for this emblem. Everyone can be sure of that. I will do my best for this club.”

'THERE IS PRESSURE, AND THAT IS A GOOD THING'

Orkun Kökçü, expressing his excitement about wearing the number 10 jersey, said, "It's exciting. Since I was a kid, when I watched the matches, I saw so many great names and legends wear the number 10. It's special to me. There's always pressure, and that's a good thing. Without pressure, you can't perform at your best. It's a good feeling for me."

'I WANT TO GET ON THE FIELD ASAP'

Orkun Kökçü, who said he was very excited to work with the team for the first time, made the following statement:

"Our coach seems like a very good person. This is the first time I've met him. He told me his plans directly and explained how he wants to play. I'll try to do what the coach wants me to do. I want to get on the field as soon as possible. I'll have my first practice with the team. That's why I'm excited."

"HOPEFULLY, YOUNG FOOTBALL PLAYERS PLAYING IN EUROPE'S LARGE TEAMS WILL COME TO OUR COUNTRY IN THE FUTURE."

When asked about his transfer to the Süper Lig at such a young age, the 24-year-old midfielder said, "Most footballers choose to come to Türkiye at the end of their careers. But I don't think we should underestimate our league. Great players are coming. I came at 24. Hopefully, young players playing for Europe's big teams will come to our country in the future. The quality of the league can improve even further. Maybe this transfer is a message for them too."

'MY ONLY FOCUS IS TO GET ON THE FIELD'

Orkun Kökçü, who stated that he played alongside the players he watched in Beşiktaş uniforms as a kid in a transfer video and that it was a great feeling, said, "Of course, it's a good feeling. It was a video shoot with the players I watched. It was a source of pride for me. Now that's over, my only focus is getting on the pitch and representing this club in the best way possible."

'I AM HAPPY, I AM WHERE I WANT'

Orkun Kökçü, who also described the transfer process to the Black and Whites, said, “I was asleep when the first offer came. I was jet-lagged and had just returned from the US. Our president texted me in the morning. I couldn't get back to him. When I woke up, I called him directly. The president was very clear. He said, ‘Orkun, would you like to come to Beşiktaş? How would you rate Beşiktaş?’ I said, ‘Yes, it's my childhood dream.’ He said, ‘Send your dad's number and hang up.’ Everything happened very quickly after that. We waited a few days for Benfica's approval. Everything happened very quickly. The president's stance should be commended. I'm happy; I'm where I want to be.”

'I WANT TO BE READY FOR THAT MATCH (SHAKHTAR DONETSK)'

Speaking about his physical condition, Orkun Kökçü said, "I finished the season two weeks ago. I haven't done anything until now; I've been resting. I played in 65 matches last season. We're going to make a plan with the coaching staff and the coach. I want to be ready for that match. I'll do my best to do so."

'ABRAHAM IS A GOOD, QUALITY STRIKER'

Recalling the argument he had with the Black and Whites’ English forward Tammy Abraham in the 2021-22 Conference League final, Orkun Kökçü concluded his remarks as follows:

"It was the Conference League final. We were both passionate. Something happened at that moment, and we developed a good relationship after the match. When I arrived, he shared a post, which was nice. We talked and chatted. He's a good, quality striker. He's also come to Türkiye. The quality of the league is improving. Hopefully, we'll score many goals and win championships."

DHA

Reporter: News Center