National team
Rejection by DFB: Nuremberg’s young star Uzun plays for Türkiye
Nuremberg’s Can Uzun will play for Turkey. photo
© Daniel Karmann/dpa
Can Uzun is one of the biggest talents in the second division. The DFB is trying to find the offensive player – but the native of Regensburg chooses the country of his ancestors.
“I listened to my heart,” Uzun wrote on Instagram. “Such a decision is not a career decision like a change of club, but a decision of the heart. You have to feel the national team and here my heart and my gut said that Turkey was the right choice for me,” he told Sky broadcaster.
The offensive player, who was born and raised in Regensburg, has already played for Turkey in the youth teams. Recently, the German Football Association tried to find Uzun, and a delegation led by DFB managing director Andreas Rettig visited the young footballer and his family.
Chance of a spot in the European Championship squad in the summer
“We have great respect for Can Uzun’s decision to continue playing for the Turkish national teams – especially because of the good, open and honest exchange that Rudi Völler, Antonio Di Salvo and I recently had with Can and his father,” said Rettig on Monday . “We wish Can much success in his future journey.”
Uzun said that for him it was a matter of respect to speak to both associations. “Along with Turkey, Germany will always play a very important role in my life,” he emphasized. “Turkey and Germany are my home countries.” Selection coach Vincenzo Montella promised the young star a nomination for the European Championships in Germany in the summer.
Long-term goal: home European Championships in 2032
With twelve goals this season so far, the teenager is the club’s top scorer; only three footballers have scored more often in the second division this year. After the winter break alone, Uzun scored six goals in six games – he is one of the people responsible for ensuring that Nuremberg is not closer to the relegation zone despite a mediocre season. Larger clubs have already expressed their interest in him.
Uzun emphasized that his decision for Turkey had nothing to do with possible title prospects or good advertising deals. “In the national team you play with your heart, it’s about fame and honor.” In the long term, he already has the 2032 European Championship in mind, where Turkey is co-hosting alongside Italy. “We are a strong generation with outstanding talents, every tournament up to the 2032 European Championship is an honor and the perfect preparation,” said Uzun. “I will give everything to achieve great things.”