The Italian star Matteo Ferrari, who arrived in Istanbul together with our President Yıldırım Demirören the other day, gave an exclusive interview to BJK TV.

Following are some of the extracts taken from that interview carried out by BJK TV Broadcasting Coordinator Erdem Ulus:
Erdem Ulus: Welcome to Turkey and Besiktas! What are you going to say about fans’ reception at the airport?
Matteo Ferrari: Thank you! I am delighted to be here. I was really moved by the fans’ greeting at the airport. It showed how much they trusted and respected me. I’ll do my best not to disappoint them. I’d like thank each and everyone of them.
Erdem Ulus: Your transfer to Besiktas has made the news everyday for the past 2 weeks, and you are finally here in the end. Can you fill us in why it took so long?
Matteo Ferrari: At first, my Club Genoa wouldn’t let me go because I had a special place in the hearts of the Genoa fans. They tried to convince me to stay and sign with them, but I told them that I wanted to continue my career at Besiktas. At the end of long negotiations, they finally understood that nothing would change my mind; so they gave up and let me go.
Erdem Ulus: You played for top teams Italian clubs such as Inter, Roma and Parma but you had been outside your country only once and it was for to play for Everton of the English Premier League. Now, this is going to be your second experience abroad. In comparison to previous playing experiences in Italy and England, what is your expectations from Turkish football?
Matteo Ferrari: Every league has its own characteristics. Compared to the Turkcell Super League, the leagues in Italy and England are quite different. Bu I don’t think I will have any adaptation problems here. All I want is to help Besiktas achieve their goal especially at Champions League. That’s the reason why I am in Istanbul.
Erdem Ulus: We’ve been following you at close range and know your style, speed and superiority in the air. How do you rate your playing skills?
Matteo Ferrari: First of all, I always try to be consistent on the pitch. My performance doesn’t vary from one game to another. Football critics often praise my air superiority and speed but I am also a team player. I am a passionate player who does everything to help his team win.
Erdem Ulus: Although you have an aggressive style, you don’t receive too many cards. How do you manage that?
Matteo Ferrari: I always control my aggressiveness out there and don’t receive unnecessary cards. If I am not mistaking’ I’ve got only three red cards in my entire playing career and two of them came from yellow cards.
Erdem Ulus: Besiktas is a long-standing club which has achieved many successes in this country. It is also known for its compassionate fans. The Carsi Group of Besiktas is famous allover Europe for their aggressiveness. How do you feel playing in front of them?
Matteo Ferrari: I’ve herd the name of that fervent group before coming here. All of my friends kept mentioning them to me during my transfer process. Maybe they are one of the reasons why I am here today. It will be a great experience to play in front of them. With their support we will accomplish a lot this season. I am excited already.
Erdem Ulus: In the past, Besiktas had transferred two players from Italy—one was Zago of Brazil who played for Roma like you and the other was Giunti. They both made a significant contribution to the success of Besiktas, and the fans still talk highly of them. The fans will expect same kind of performance from you. What do you have to say about this?
Matteo Ferrari: I know how much fans like Zago and Giunti here. I’ll do my best to equal their performance and try to exceed them. I want to stay at Besiktas more than they did.
Erdem Ulus: Your name Ferrari is the same as one the fastest cars in the world. Do you like motor sports and speed?
Matteo Ferrari: Yes, I have ‘Ferrari’ name tattooed on my shoulder (shows his tattoo) and I like speed in all sports.
Erdem Ulus: I guess you’ve never been to Istanbul before? What does Istanbul mean do you?
Matteo Ferrari: Although this my first visit to Istanbul, I’ve heard the name of your city quite often. It is a great city with unlimited mesmerizing features and I am thrilled to be here.
Erdem Ulus: Finally, do you have a massage to Besiktas fans?
Matteo Ferrari: All I want to say is that they should keep supporting us even in most disappointing times because without their support, we cannot accomplish anything. But our fans should also be a little patient; you cannot be perfect overnight. I am here to make it sure Besiktas goes all the way like they last year.