DFB director responds to Can Uzun representing Turkey over Germany | OneFootball

Can Uzun has opted to represent Turkey over Germany. Speaking to Bild, Andreas Rettig, Managing Director of the DFB, has responded to the 18-year-old forward’s decision.

“It’s our job to fight for every talent, to get excited and to woo them,” Rettig told Bild. “Can and his father made an excellent impression on us, but two hearts beat in his chest. Rudi, Toni di Salvo and I felt how difficult the decision was for him. We respect his personal choice and wish Can every success in his future journey.”

Uzun has already represented Turkey at youth level, most notably playing for them at the under-17 European Championship. And now his decision to represent the full national team, Uzun has an excellent opportunity to represent his country at Euro 2024. He follows fellow dual-nationality future teammate Kenan Yildiz who also chose to represent Turkey over Germany.

Former Bayern Munich, Schalke and Darmstadt midfielder Hamit Altintop, who is also dual-nationality and a member of the board at the Turkish football federation, played a key role in convincing Uzun to choose Turkey over Germany.

Uzun is enjoying an excellent season at Nürnberg in the 2. Bundesliga, scoring 12 and creating one in 21 league games, which has attracted attention from some of Europe’s biggest clubs.

GGFN | Daniel Pinder