Fenerbahçe's new signing Çağlar Söyüncü evaluates the transfer process: 'I knew our coach wanted me'

The 28-year-old center-back met with members of the press in Austria, where the yellow-navy team is continuing the second stage of its new season preparations.

Expressing his happiness to be at Fenerbahçe, Çağlar said, "We have a great atmosphere. There is a sense of camaraderie that has remained intact from last year. We also have a legendary coach. A coach who has proven himself to the world. We have a very beautiful environment. I hope we get through these stages without any injuries and are ready for our first official match."

PREMIER LEAGUE PERIOD

Stating that he was playing for Leicester City during the time Portuguese manager Jose Mourinho was coaching Tottenham, the national player said, "We had a humorous conversation during a match where we were opponents there. Later, we played against each other again in the UEFA Conference League during the Leicester City-Roma matchup. We had conversations, but it wasn't discussed in a serious sense. But I knew our coach wanted me. I was very happy when I came here. I came here without a second thought."

Regarding whether his injury has fully healed, Çağlar provided the following information: "We spoke with our doctors; there is a very small image in my MRI due to the injury from the last match of last season, even if it is very minor. Since my teammates started training a week before me, I am not at the same level as them. It is important to go through the injury process without taking risks. Our coach, our doctor, and I had a meeting, and I can say one more week. After that, God willing, I will start training with the team."

'I TOLD THEM I WANTED TO STAY HERE'

Explaining that Fenerbahçe Club President Ali Koç, board member Acun Ilıcalı, and sporting director Mario Branco were personally involved in the transfer process, Çağlar Söyüncü stated the following:

"Since I arrived, I told our president that I wanted to stay here. I tried to reflect this in my football as well. I am happy to have played in Europe for many years, but I conveyed that I now want to play at Fenerbahçe. Thankfully, our president asked about my planning and thoughts towards the end of last year. I told him that my first priority was here. It has been about a month since the season ended, and I didn't answer anyone's phone calls. My priority was always here, and it finally happened."

Stating that Jose Mourinho is a world-class manager, the experienced center-back emphasized that such names are very important for Turkish football, for them, and for players coming up from the youth academy.