| Emre Belözoğlu | ||
| Personal information | ||
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Emre Belözoğlu | |
| Date of birth | September 7, 1980 | |
| Place of birth | Istanbul, Turkey | |
| Height | 1. Events 1251 BC - A Solar eclipse on this date might mark the birth of legendary Heracles at Thebes Greece. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Istanbul (historically Byzantium and later Constantinople; see the other Names of Istanbul) is the largest city of Turkey Turkey (Türkiye known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( is a Eurasian Country that stretches 71 m (5 ft 71⁄2 in) | |
| Playing position | Midfielder | |
| Club information | ||
| Current club | Newcastle United | |
| Number | 5 | |
| Youth clubs | ||
| 1992–1994 1994–1996 | Zeytinburnuspor Galatasaray | |
| Senior clubs1 | ||
| Years | Club | App (Gls)* |
| 1996–2001 2001–2005 2005–2008 2008 | Galatasaray Internazionale Newcastle United | 102 (13) 78 (5) 58 (5) |
| National team2 | ||
| 2000– | Turkey | 54 (4) |
1 Senior club appearances and goals | ||
Emre Belözoğlu (born September 7, 1980 in Istanbul) is a Turkish footballer. Events 1251 BC - A Solar eclipse on this date might mark the birth of legendary Heracles at Thebes Greece. Year 1980 ( MCMLXXX) was a Leap year starting on Tuesday (link displays the 1980 Gregorian calendar) Istanbul (historically Byzantium and later Constantinople; see the other Names of Istanbul) is the largest city of Turkey Turkey (Türkiye known officially as the Republic of Turkey ( is a Eurasian Country that stretches Association football, more commonly known as football or soccer, is a Team sport played between two teams of eleven players and is widely considered He is currently a midfielder for English Premier League club Newcastle United. For the Australian Rules position see Midfielder (Australian Rules. The Premier League, colloquially referred to as the Premiership, is an English professional league for football clubs Newcastle United Football Club (also known as The Magpies or The Toon) is an English football club based in Newcastle upon
He is one of the most accomplished Turkish players of all time, being instrumental in Galatasaray's unbeaten run to a historic UEFA Cup victory in 2000, and UEFA Super Cup victory the same year. The UEFA Cup is a football competition for European club teams organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA. The European Super Cup ( UEFA Super Cup) is at stake in an annual football game between the reigning champions of the UEFA Cup and the Champions He is also a member of the Turkey national team, which he helped to a third-place finish at the 2002 World Cup. The Turkish national football team is the national football team of the Republic of Turkey and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 17th staging of the World Cup, was held in South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30.
In 2004, Emre was selected to the FIFA 100 by Pelé as one of the 125 best living footballers. The FIFA 100 is a list of the world-renowned Brazilian striker Pelé 's choice of the "greatest living footballers" [1]
On 1 June 2008 Newcastle United confirmed that they had given Fenerbahçe permission to talk to Emre about a transfer and that the two clubs had agreed terms for a deal. Events 193 - Roman Emperor Didius Julianus is Assassinated 987 - Hugh Capet is elected 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Newcastle United Football Club (also known as The Magpies or The Toon) is an English football club based in Newcastle upon Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü (Fenerbahçe Sports Club commonly known as Fenerbahçe (feneːɾbatʃe is a professional Sports club based in the district of [2]
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Emre's father was a professional football player known as the “Pilich Mehmet” (The Young One), whose career ranged from Yedikulespor, Edirnespor and Ankara Demirspor. Edirnespor is the football team of Edirne, Turkey and her colours are yellow and red The greatest dream of “Pilich Mehmet” was to wear the famous Galatasaray shirt, but serious injury problems forbade him to achieve such an aspiration. The Belözoglu family's only hope was little Emre, who at the tender age of 7, shined for his village team, Gunesspor, attracting the eye of many an interested onlooker. Emre's inspiration came from his ever-supportive father, who walked hand-in-hand with him and introduced him to football at the Zeytinburnuspor training ground. Zeytinburnu SK is a Turkish Sports club based in Istanbul, Turkey. Fatma Belözoglu, Emre’s mother, had seen the problems that her husband had faced over his football career, and thus did not want little Emre to become a professional football player. But his father, ever inspirational and influential, supported Emre and urged him to try. Dreams and smiles filled the eager face of the tender boy.
On 29 March 1990 Emre became a licensed footballer for Zeytinburnuspor, starting out as an amateur. Events 1461 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Towton - Edward of York defeats Queen Margaret to become King Year 1990 ( MCMXC) was a Common year starting on Monday (link displays the 1990 Gregorian calendar) The fans of Zeytinburnuspor quickly took an interest in Emre, stating his wonderful control with his left foot. Zeytinburnu SK is a Turkish Sports club based in Istanbul, Turkey. Legendary trainer Salih Bulgurlu noticed his amazing talent, and started giving him special training. Bulgurlu looked after Emre for 4 years, teaching him all the basic techniques, improving and harnessing his fitness and stamina dramatically. When Emre turned 12, every football fan in Istanbul knew him as one of the most exciting and promising talents Istanbul had ever laid eyes on. Istanbul (historically Byzantium and later Constantinople; see the other Names of Istanbul) is the largest city of Turkey
Emre was quickly discovered by the Galatasaray legend Bülent Ünder, a close friend of legendary Galatasaray manager, Fatih Terim. Fatih Terim, Commendatore OSSI, (born September 4, 1953 in Adana, Turkey) is one of the most successful football players Bülent Ünder told Salih Bulgurlu, “Wait and see. In two years, this teenager will be playing proudly within the battlegrounds of Europe,” and pleaded that Emre join Galatasaray. [3]
Emre officially became a Galatasaray player during the 1995 season, fulfilling his and his father's dream. He was forever the centre of attention while rising through the Galatasaray youth ranks, his magical left foot and irrepressible creativity bought him no fewer than 43 caps for Turkey's Under-18 team. Turkey National Under-18 Squad The Turkey national under-18 football team is the national youth football team of Turkey Emre made his first appearance for the club's senior squad as a sixteen-year-old in the 1996-97 season. The following year, he became a regular.
At the end of the 1996-97 season, Galatasaray played against rivals Besiktas JK. Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü (commonly Beşiktaş, bɛʃɪktɑːʃ ( English: Beşiktaş Gymnastics Club) is a professional Sports club With the score 2-2 and the game nearly over, Emre scored a screamer to win Galatasaray not only the match, but also the Turkish Super League. After the match, Galatasaray manager and father-figure Fatih Terim met Emre, and after seeing a £4,000 Rolex watch on his wrist, shouted, “You haven’t even bought a house for your family, yet you’re going around wearing expensive watches, aren’t you at all ashamed of yourself?”. Fatih Terim, Commendatore OSSI, (born September 4, 1953 in Adana, Turkey) is one of the most successful football players Emre’s eyes filled up with tears, responding shakily, “The watch is Arif Erdem’s, he gave it to me after I scored the goal against Besiktas". Arif Erdem (born 1972 is a retired Turkish striker He played 349 league matches for Galatasaray and scored 105 goals Terim was extremely sorry, and replied “Well done to Arif! We should have thought of that. ” [4]
During the 1998 season, when Emre turned 18, he got his driving license and bought his first ever car, a Mercedes A-140. The level-headed Terim approached Emre, and advised him not to live such a life at an early stage. Under the guidance of Terim, Emre became a much more responsible man. [5]
Emre's time at Galatasaray was filled with success. Domestically, he won four Turkish Super League titles, along with three Turkish Cup trophies. In Europe, he picked up a UEFA Cup winners' medal in 2000, and at the beginning of the 2000-2001 season, he also picked up a UEFA Super Cup winners' medal after Galatasaray defeated Champions League winners Real Madrid C.F. 2–1. The UEFA Cup is a football competition for European club teams organised by the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA. The European Super Cup ( UEFA Super Cup) is at stake in an annual football game between the reigning champions of the UEFA Cup and the Champions See also List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League winners The UEFA Champions League, which evolved from the European Champion Clubs' Cup is a seasonal club Belözoğlu also played in the quarter-finals of the Champions League with Galatasaray that season. See also List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League winners The UEFA Champions League, which evolved from the European Champion Clubs' Cup is a seasonal club
Emre gained much popularity and fame at Galatasaray, earning the reputation as one of the greatest players they had ever seen.
Emre began to catch the eyes of the biggest European football clubs. Italian leading sports paper Tuttosport described Emre as the most sought-after player in Europe, with Emre attracting the likes of Real Madrid, FC Barcelona, Valencia CF, AC Milan and Inter Milan. Tuttosport is an Italian national sports newspaper based in Turin which has been published since 30 July 1945. Fútbol Club Barcelona ( Catalan fudˈbɔɫ ˌklup bəɾsəˈlonə Spanish ˈfutβol ˌkluβ baɾθeˈlona known familiarly as Barça (Spanish ˈbaɾsa Catalan Valencia Club de Fútbol (also known as Valencia or Los Che) is a Spanish professional football club based in Valencia Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy Football Club Internazionale Milano, most commonly referred to as simply Internazionale, or Inter, is an Italian professional football club [6]
In 2001, he transferred to Internazionale on a free transfer, where he would become a fan favourite, wooing and fascinating the San Siro squad with his passion, charisma, and skill. Football Club Internazionale Milano, most commonly referred to as simply Internazionale, or Inter, is an Italian professional football club It was during his time at Inter where he picked up the nickname 'Maradona of the Bosphorus', after being compared to the Argentine legend. The Bosporus or Bosphorus, also known as the Istanbul Strait, (İstanbul Boğazı (Βόσπορος is a Strait that forms the boundary between the His form for Inter was matched by his great displays for Turkey at the 2002 World Cup, where they finished third overall. The Turkish national football team is the national football team of the Republic of Turkey and is controlled by the Turkish Football Federation. The 2002 FIFA World Cup, the 17th staging of the World Cup, was held in South Korea and Japan from May 31 to June 30. In the 2002-2003 season, Emre became the 17th winner of the Pirata d'Oro (Golden Pirate), an annual award given for the Internazionale player of the year. Inter made it through to the semi-finals of the UEFA Champions League that year, and that was as far as Emre would reach with Inter. See also List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League winners The UEFA Champions League, which evolved from the European Champion Clubs' Cup is a seasonal club
Emre gradually became out of favour at Inter due to persistent injuries, and after making just nineteen appearances during the 2004-2005 season, he became available for transfer. City rivals AC Milan, Manchester United, Arsenal FC, and Liverpool FC all declared their interest to sign Emre for their respective clubs, but the favourites to sign Emre were Everton and Newcastle United. Associazione Calcio Milan, commonly referred to by the abbreviation Milan, is an Italian professional football club based in Milan, Lombardy Liverpool Football Club are an English professional Association football club based in Liverpool England. Everton Football Club is an English football club located in the city of Liverpool. Newcastle United Football Club (also known as The Magpies or The Toon) is an English football club based in Newcastle upon [7]
On 14 July 2005, Belözoğlu moved to Newcastle United for a £3. Year 2005 ( MMV) was a Common year starting on Saturday (link displays full calendar of the Gregorian calendar. 8 million transfer fee. [8] He proved to be a fairly popular player amongst the Newcastle fans, as well as showing his ability to win matches not only from his goals, but also from his assists. After playing in nine consecutive UEFA Champions League campaigns, (five with Galatasaray, four with Inter Milan), Emre faced a new challenge at Tyneside. See also List of European Cup and UEFA Champions League winners The UEFA Champions League, which evolved from the European Champion Clubs' Cup is a seasonal club Football Club Internazionale Milano, most commonly referred to as simply Internazionale, or Inter, is an Italian professional football club Tyneside is a Conurbation in northern England, which is home to over 80% of the Metropolitan county of Tyne and Wear. He wanted to bring the Newcastle faithful European football. However, his nightmare for picking up niggling injuries followed him from Italy, and the Newcastle fans neversaw the full influence of his outstanding abilities.
On 31 May 2008 it was reported that Fenerbahçe claimed to have signed Emre from Newcastle United. Events 1279 BC - Rameses II (The Great (19th dynasty becomes pharaoh of Ancient Egypt. 2008 ( MMVIII) is the current year in accordance with the Gregorian calendar, a Leap year that started on Tuesday of the Common Fenerbahçe Spor Kulübü (Fenerbahçe Sports Club commonly known as Fenerbahçe (feneːɾbatʃe is a professional Sports club based in the district of Newcastle United Football Club (also known as The Magpies or The Toon) is an English football club based in Newcastle upon [9] The following day Newcastle United confirmed that they had given Fenerbahçe permission to talk to Emre about a transfer and that the two clubs had agreed terms for a deal. [10] If personal terms are agreed, it is expected that the transfer will take place in early June 2008.
On the 24 October 2000. Events 69 - Second Battle of Bedriacum, forces under Antonius Primus the commander of the Danube armies loyal to Vespasian, defeat 2000 ( MM) was a Leap year that started on Saturday of the Common Era, in accordance with the Gregorian calendar. At 5. 30 in the morning, Emre, along with some friends, were driving to a mosque in Istanbul, when he swerved to avoid a car which incorrectly crossed the motorway instead of going over the pedestrian bridge. He hit the car killing a man that worked as a cleaner for the Gunes Hotel.
After a post-match brawl in a 2006 World Cup qualification playoff match with Switzerland, Emre was banned for Turkey's next six matches and fined CHF 15,000 (£6,622) plus costs of CHF 1,000 (£440) for his alleged part in the brawl. The Swiss national football team (also known as the Schweizer Nati in German La Nati in French is the national football team of Switzerland The franc ( German: Franken, French and Romansh: franc, Italian: franco; code: CHF The FIFA Appeal Committee later reduced the ban to four matches. The Fédération Internationale de Football Association (French for International Federation of Association Football) [11]
On 12 January 2007, Emre was charged by The Football Association with using racially-aggravated abusive and/or insulting words[12] in an incident during a 3-0 loss to Everton on 30 December. Events 475 - Basiliscus becomes Byzantine Emperor, with a coronation ceremony in the Hebdomon palace in Constantinople Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey Everton Football Club is an English football club located in the city of Liverpool. Events 1460 - Wars of the Roses: Battle of Wakefield. 1816 - The Treaty of St Newcastle were unable to comment until Belözoğlu himself replied to the charge. [13] He later stated he was angered by claims that he was racist, citing his friendship with room-mate Obafemi Martins as evidence he was not. Obafemi Akinwunmi Martins (born 28 October, 1984 in Lagos) is a Nigerian football player who plays as a Striker for the [14]
On 16 February 2007, the FA announced another investigation into alleged racist remarks from Emre, this time aimed against Bolton Wanderers striker El Hadji Diouf. Events 1249 - Andrew of Longjumeau is dispatched by Louis IX of France as his ambassador to meet with the Khan of the Mongols Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Bolton Wanderers Football Club is an English professional football club based in Horwich, in the Metropolitan Borough of Bolton, Greater El Hadji Ousseynou Diouf (الحاج ديوف (born January 15 1981) is a Senegalese footballer He plays for Sunderland and Senegal The incident allegedly took place during Bolton's 2-1 win at St James' Park on 15 October 2006. St James' Park is an All-seater stadium in Newcastle upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom. Events 533 - Byzantine General Belisarius makes his formal entry into Carthage, having conquered it from the Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. Emre's agent denied the accusation. [15] Diouf subsequently decided not to press charges. However on 1 March 2007 Emre faced a third racism allegation, when Watford defender Alhassan Bangura claimed he was subject of racist abuse from Emre. Events 86 BC - Lucius Cornelius Sulla, at the head of a Roman Republic army enters in Athens, removing the Tyrant Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. Alhassan "Al" Bangura (born 24 January 1988 in Freetown) is a Sierra Leonean international footballer. [16]
On 19 March 2007 the allegations of Emre using racially-aggravated abusive and/or insulting words during the Everton match were found not proven by the FA. Events 1279 - A Mongolian victory in the Battle of Yamen ends the Song Dynasty in China. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. The Football Association, also known as simply The FA, is the governing body of football in England and the Crown Dependencies of Jersey [17]In September, 2007 Watford player Jordan Stewart withdrew his support from the 'Kick Racism out of Football' campaign, citing the FA's failure to act on the Everton incident in December, 2006 as the reason. Events in September It is the start of the academic year in many countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Year 2007 ( MMVII) was a Common year starting on Monday of the Gregorian calendar in the 21st century. Watford Football Club is an English professional football club based in Watford, Hertfordshire. Jordan Barrington Stewart (born 3 March 1982 in Birmingham) is an English footballer, who is currently playing for Championship Events in December Union Day of Romania (1 December World AIDS Day ( December 1) National Day of Year 2006 ( MMVI) was a Common year starting on Sunday of the Gregorian calendar. [18]
His transfer from Inter Milan to Newcastle United in July 2005 is one of those about which the Stevens inquiry report in June 2007 expressed concerns:
“There remains inconsistencies in evidence provided by Graeme Souness - a former manager of the club - and Kenneth Shepherd - apparently acting in an undefined role but not as a club official - as to their respective roles in transfer negotiations. Football Club Internazionale Milano, most commonly referred to as simply Internazionale, or Inter, is an Italian professional football club Newcastle United Football Club (also known as The Magpies or The Toon) is an English football club based in Newcastle upon In 2006, several allegations were made of corruption in English football by sources inside and outside of the game Graeme James Souness (ˈsuːnɨs (born 6 May, 1953 in Edinburgh) is a Scottish former professional football player and manager ”
“The inquiry has been unable to obtain the co-operation of the agent Ahmet Bulut. ”[19]