Acun Ilıcalı's striking response to the 'En-Nesyri' question: 'We show them death and make them settle for malaria'

A press conference was held for En-Nesyri, whom Fenerbahçe added to its squad from Sevilla for a fee of 19.5 million euros.

Explaining the behind-the-scenes of the transfer, Acun Ilıcalı said, "Reports appeared in our press that Youssef was in contact with other teams and that he was confused. We read these reports with a smile. In our first meeting 4 weeks ago, Youssef made us feel his warmth toward us. We reached an agreement quickly. The player had received a 40 million Euro offer. Last year, Milan offered 30 million Euros. We held long negotiations with Sevilla."

'HE WAS JOSE MOURINHO'S NUMBER ONE'

Acun Ilıcalı stated, "Our president prioritizes the club's interests. We added Youssef to our squad for a figure under 20 million Euros. We are very happy. The Youssef deal took a very long time; we were fixated on it. He was Jose Mourinho's number one, and we were stubborn and fought to bring him here."

'WE ARE DOING EVERYTHING FOR FENERBAHÇE'

Stating that "the transfer window went magnificently for us," Acun Ilıcalı said, "We got the pieces Jose Mourinho wanted. When we said stars, we meant Alex and Van Hooijdonk, but you will see Ferdi's youth in Oğuz Aydın. We also want to bring in Alex and Van Hooijdonk types. We are doing everything for Fenerbahçe."

'THE LONGED-FOR CHAMPIONSHIP WILL COME'

Acun Ilıcalı remarked, 'Fenerbahçe has become the highest-budget squad in Turkish football history. Our squad value has reached 250 million Euros, and we are happy about this. Hopefully, the longed-for championship will come this year.'

'WE SHOW THEM DEATH AND MAKE THEM SETTLE FOR MALARIA'

When asked about the En-Nesyri transfer being paid in 8 installments over 4 years, Acun Ilıcalı replied, "I am also surprised by our installment-based transfers. Our president takes a very firm and clear stance. It falls to me and Mario to convince the other side. However, after our president says 'It will be this way,' we negotiate accordingly. I just watch. We try to handle the other side with our energy. Sometimes we have some flexibility. I can say we show them death and make them settle for malaria. We start with a negative stance toward the other side and gain an advantage during the persuasion process. You know Hull City is my club. I am not like this in these matters; I admire our president. There are things I need to learn for my own team as well."

MARIO BRANCO'S STATEMENTS

Sporting Director Mario Branco also made statements at Youssef En-Nesyri's signing ceremony.

Fenerbahçe Sporting Director Mario Branco's words are as follows:

"What matters is not me, but that the Fenerbahçe fans are happy. I believe that with players like Youssef, we are getting closer to achieving results. Just like we were here last week. I am very happy that we brought a striker of this quality here because we are currently playing in the Champions League qualifiers and the transfer window will close in about 1.5 months. We have finished 95 percent of our transfers. This was important for us. I would like to thank our president and our management for the Youssef transfer. At the same time, Youssef was one of our coach's main options. It was our common goal. That is why I am very grateful that he is here."

News Source: 12punto