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Goalkeeper Mert Günok answers questions on official EURO 2024 account

Mert Günok, goalkeeper for the Turkish National Football Team, stated that they prepared well for the 2024 European Championship (EURO 2024) and that this has been reflected in the results.

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Mert Günok, who made waves with his critical save in the 90+5th minute of the match where Turkey defeated Austria 2-1 to advance to the quarterfinals in the tournament's Round of 16, answered questions on the official EURO 2024 account.

Stating that they prepared well for the championship, the 35-year-old goalkeeper said, "We found a good working environment. We established a great atmosphere with our coach. This has already been reflected in the results. The Portugal match was an unfortunate one for us. I couldn't play due to my injury. I was very sad. I am playing in the European Championship for the first time. Being here and playing is important. This was a goal for me. I am also happy that I achieved this goal."

Touching on the importance of the support from Turkish fans at the tournament held in Germany, Mert said, "I can say that we are playing at home here. We saw that 70-80 percent of the stands were our fans during the matches. They are giving us great support. I hope this will continue. I thank our fans for supporting us so well."

ATHLETICISM RUNS IN THE FAMILY GENES

Noting that his father Mahir Günok was also a former goalkeeper, Mert stated that athleticism is in his family's genes.

Underlining that he grew up in an athletic family, Mert Günok said, "My father being a former goalkeeper played an important role in me reaching this point. Him being a former athlete allowed me to maintain my football life in a disciplined manner.

Even though I suffered a bad injury 3 years ago, I was able to return and reach the level of the National Team.

These things depend on discipline and professionalism. I grew up in an athletic family. My sibling played volleyball. My uncle and grandfather were also former footballers. Athleticism is in my family's genes. I have a wish to play at the top level for 4-5 more years. I hope I can achieve this." he assessed.

"WE WOULD NOT WANT IT TO GO TO PENALTIES"

Stating that he would not prefer matches to go to penalty shootouts, the experienced goalkeeper said, "We would not want it to go to penalties. Every team wants to finish the match beforehand.

When it goes to penalties, goalkeepers can come to the fore. We are doing our mental and practical work for this. You never know what will happen on the pitch.

A player who constantly shoots to the right can also shoot to the left. It is important to adapt to the conditions of that moment." he expressed.