The Turkish National Football Team defeated Austria 2-1 on July 2 during the 2024 European Championship. Merih Demiral, who scored both goals to secure the victory and was named the star of the match, greeted the stands with a 'Grey Wolf' salute after his goals.
UEFA handed Merih Demiral a two-match suspension on the grounds that he used a political symbol. Following the announcement of the penalty, Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan, who had announced that he would erect a statue of Merih Demiral in the city, kept his promise.
The statue of Merih Demiral, which Bolu Mayor Tanju Özcan promised to erect, was placed at the new intersection in the Karaçayır neighborhood. The statue of the famous footballer performing the Grey Wolf salute was unveiled with a ceremony.
"THE STATUE IS BOTH A GREAT HONOR AND BEAUTIFUL TO ME"
Sharing a post on his social media account, national footballer Merih Demiral stated, "Dear people of Bolu and Mr. Mayor Tanju Özcan, this statue, which represents our citizens whose hearts beat for the crescent and star, is both a great honor for me and the most concrete expression of the pride I feel in being a part of my beautiful country. With the hope that the Turkish values it reflects will live forever. With my thanks."
News Source: İHA
