Hamit Altıntop’s admission regarding Deniz Undav

Former national football player and former Turkish Football Federation board member Hamit Altıntop said that the Turkish side made efforts regarding Deniz Undav, who opted for the German National Team. Altıntop stated that they were in contact with the player during the Kuntz era, but that Undav had indicated from the very first meeting that he had different goals.

Answering questions at his home in California, Altıntop said, "I was in contact with Deniz Undav during the Kuntz era, but he stated in his first meeting, in his very first sentences, that he thought differently, had different goals, believed in them, and wanted to progress in that regard. One must respect that. We approached the situation very seriously; just as we brought in Deniz Gül, Can Uzun, and Aral, we also made an effort for Deniz. Our conscience is very clear on that matter."

Altıntop also said he believes that Turkish players raised abroad will continue to choose the A National Team. Stating that there are players who could be brought into the national team in the near future, Altıntop avoided naming names, using the phrase, "There are 4-5 very serious candidates."

Explaining that he has been spending more time with his family recently, Altıntop noted that he is closely following sports structures, marketing processes, communication, and leadership models in the USA. Emphasizing that he does not agree with comments that he has distanced himself from football, Altıntop said that football continues to remain at the center of his life.

EMPHASIS ON NATIONAL TEAM AND SUSTAINABILITY

Altıntop stated that Turkish football needs the right structure, the right environment, and the right stakeholders for lasting success. Pointing to the example of Croatia, the former player expressed that Turkey achieves good results from time to time but experiences problems regarding stability and sustainability.

Evaluating the A National Football Team's World Cup performance, Altıntop said he does not want to read the situation solely through matches. Stating that he felt some mental deficiencies before the tournament, Altıntop made the assessment, "We qualified for the World Cup after 24 years. We were very happy, but I must say that I also identified some shortcomings."

Pointing to the representative power of the national jersey, Altıntop expressed that players should stay away from personal egos. "No one here represents themselves, they represent Turkey. Names are not important, our country is important," said Altıntop, arguing that while it is possible to go further with the current player quality, character determines the final step.

Speaking about head coach Vincenzo Montella, Altıntop stated that he does not find it right for the issue to be discussed through individuals. Reminding that Montella gained experience in the European Championship and the World Cup in a short time, Altıntop said, "I believe we have a very good head coach."

Regarding the criticisms directed at captain Hakan Çalhanoğlu, Altıntop said he does not want to evaluate players one by one, noting that it is important what kind of stance Hakan will display from now on and how the federation will handle the issue.

When asked if he has an ambition for the federation presidency, Altıntop replied, "Not under these conditions. It could happen when you see respect and love, but I have no concern about proving myself." Emphasizing that off-field polemics should be reduced for the Süper Lig, Altıntop stated that as the product quality increases, Turkish football will be stronger at the table.