NEWS

16.12.2010

“I hope to stay here for many years”

Beşiktaş’s Portuguese sensation Quaresma was interviewed by theYoung Eagle fan club members Ezgi Geyik and Atalay Erendor.

Ezgi Geyik, a 4th grade student at the Güzeltepe Primary School, is 9-year-old, who wants to be fashion designer when he grows up. He is a frequent reader of Young Eagle Magazine. He likes “The Tiny Eagle” section the most.
Atalay Erendor, another 9-year-old, is on the other hand a 3rd grade student at the Dr. Sadık Ahmet Primary School. He wants to be a math teacher and follows the Eagles’ matches only on TV. He rarely goes to Inonu Stadium. 
As devoted members of Young Eagle Fan Club, they visited Quaresma at the BJK Nevzat Demir Sports Complex the other day and asked him as many questions as they could. Below is an excerpt from their interview:
Ezgi Geyik: Beşiktaş fans simply adore you. They even made a song about you before your arrival. What have you got to say about the attention you get from them?  
Quresma: In one word, they are great. I know how much they love me. In return, I am trying to give everything I’ve got on the pitch 
Atalay Erendor: As of today, how many goals you scored in your career?
Quaresma: I must have scored a lot. I don’t remember the exact number (smiles).
Ezgi Geyik: Why do they call you “Harry Potter” “Mustang” or “Q7”? 
Quaresma: In a sports book published in Portugal, I was called “Mustang” simply because I ran a lot on the pitch. I was also nicknamed “Harry Potter” for being a magician during matches I always wear the number 7 jersey that’s why they call me Q7.
Atalay Erendor: Are you happy here?
Quaresma: Yes, and I hope to stay here for many years to come.
Ezgi Geyik: What does number 7 mean to you?
Quaresma: 7 is my lucky number. Where ever I go I wear that number. I always want to be remembered with that number.
Atalay Erendor: When did you start playing football?
Quaresma: I’ve playing since I was four.
Ezgi Geyik: Do you think it is advantageous to start at that early age?
Quaresma: At that time, like many other children, I was unable to think what football would bring into my life. Being at the right place and time changed my life. You must also play for prominent clubs like my first team Sporting Lisbon, because they have good coaches and resources for you to develop.
Atalay Erendor: What are you going to do when you retire? 
Quaresma: I believe I still have a long career ahead of me so I’ve never seriously thought what I am going to do when I retire. But one thing is for sure, I am not going to be a manager. It is a tiresome job. I’d probably take it easy and spend some time with my family.
Ezgi Geyik: What do all those tattoos on your arms say?
Quaresma:  Most of my tattoos are about my mother. Without her guidance and help I wouldn’t be here right now. I owe her a lot.
Atalay Erendor: If you were not a football player, what would you be?
Quaresma: I love playing football. I never gave a serious thought to other professions. 
Ezgi Geyik: Your signing ceremony at the Inonu Stadium on June 19, 2010 attracted nearly 20000 fans. What were your feelings?
Quaresma: It was one of my happiest days. Having thousands of fans cheering for me was an unforgettable feeling. Something I will cherish for the rest of my life. 

Atalay Erendor: What do you think about Turkish football?
Quaresma: I had played for various teams in Portugal, Spain, England and Italy. Compared to them, playing here excites me more. I am still new here and have lot to learn about the Turkish football. One thing is certain, the League is very competitive, and any team can be anybody out there. I am still going through my adaptation period. Once it is complete I will be able to comment more on it.
Ezgi Geyik: We know you are coming from a poor family. How does it feel to play for a team considered to be the favourite of ordinary Turkish citizens? 
Quaresma: You are right; I was born into a very poor family. We didn’t have the means back then but now I am much well off financially. So I know the difference between the poor and rich. I am also quite familiar with the aspirations of poor people so I try to help my old friends back in Portugal as much as I can.
Atalay Erendor: What is your favourite Turkish dish?
Quaresma: Turkish kebab…
Ezgi Geyik: Why weren’t you happy at Barcelona and Inter?
Quaresma: When I was with Inter, I had a difference of opinion with my manager. These sorts of things happen when you are playing for a new team. They had a lot of quality players and didn’t want to spend time with me. When I realized I didn’t click with the team, I decided to leave. I was very young and inexperienced when I was playing for Barcelona and made some mistakes. The club made some mistakes too. Nevertheless, I learned a lot from those great clubs.
Atalay Erendor: What is favourite historical site in Istanbul?
Quaresma: I must admit with all the practices and matches I have a very busy schedule and don’t get too see much. I can answer your question maybe next year.
Ezgi Geyik: Have you gotten used to Turkish meals and do you like Istanbul?
Quaresma: I have no problem with the Turkish dishes; I like them a lot. Istanbul is a mystical and mesmerizing city.
Atalay Erendor:  What does it take to be a good player? What are your suggestions?
Quaresma: You have to have talent and work hard. You should always go after your dreams and never throw in the towel.
Ezgi Geyik: You have an up and down national team career. What have you got to say about it?
Quaresma: Past is past and no need to talk about it. Right now, we have a good coach and a talented bunch of players. We will soon put an end to Portuguese international team’s downfall and get it back on the right tract again. We have all the means to do so.
Atalay Erendor-Ezgi Geyik: We thank you for your time and wish you all the luck in the world.
 

 

 

 

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