Turkey's maestro Calhanoglu saddened by criticism at home

ANKARA : As Turkey gear up for Euro 2024, much of their ambition rests on the shoulders of captain and playmaker Hakan Calhanoglu, who won his first Serie A title with Inter Milan this year.

Calhanoglu has been instrumental in Turkey's resurgence in the qualifying campaign, with his transformation to a deep-lying playmaker adding a new dimension to his game.

Born in Mannheim, the $43 million-rated Calhanoglu is one of a handful of German-born footballers with Turkish ancestry to represent the Crescent Stars.

"When I chose the (Turkish) national team, I chose without hesitation. I always wanted to overcome challenges," he said in an interview with state broadcaster TRT in May.

"They told me, 'If you choose Germany, you'll make bigger transfers and win bigger trophies.' I said, 'No, I want to do this with the Turkish jersey, I want to achieve harder things'."

But while he has earned rave reviews for his performances in Italy, Calhanoglu has been on the receiving end of harsh criticism at home.

"Our people still think of the old Hakan as a number 10. I'm not in that position any more," he explained.

"There's now a Hakan who plays behind, who orchestrates the game, and there's a Hakan who fights, who gets into duels. These things weren't in me before.

"Actually, what saddens me is this: I play abroad, everyone supports me there, they see me as one of their own. But when I come to my own country, I feel excluded.

"Sometimes when I read comments it hurts me. When negative criticism comes from my own people, from my own blood, one can't help but feel sad."

Turkey coach Vincenzo Montella, who previously coached Calhanoglu during his tenure at AC Milan, said the player is among the best in the world.

"He is a great talent with excellent