Awe-struck Kökcü unveiled at Besiktas: “I’m the happiest man on earth” | OneFootball

A delighted Orkun Kökcü (24) completed his loan move to Besiktas from Benfica this weekend. Thousands of fans greeted the midfielder at the airport on Saturday, before many more attended his presentation at Besiktas Park on Sunday evening.

In some truly celebratory scenes, boyhood Besiktas fan Kökcü was serenaded by the supporters and even hugged by a fan who rushed over. The former Feyenoord captain was evidently thrilled with his move to his favourite Turkish club.

“I was already excited when I stepped off the plane yesterday, and even more so now that I’m here. I can’t believe it. I want to thank everyone for coming. My thanks also go to my family and my management. I’m the happiest man on earth,” said the Turkey international, who couldn’t hold back tears as a video was shown on the big screen.

Besiktas pulled out all the stops to welcome their potential record signing. If the mandatory option to buy is exercised within the loan papers, he will join from Benfica for €25 million plus bonuses. Chairman Serdal Adali personally championed Kökcü’s arrival, in an effort to bring new success to the Turkish club. “Besiktas deserves to be represented by the best players in the world,” the president said at the presentation.

“We never imagined we’d be able to sign this player. But this isn’t the first time he’s worn this shirt. He’s been wearing it since childhood. I’m convinced he’ll do everything he can to repay the sacrifices I made for him. He’ll be a symbol of our team, fighting for the team until the very end and never giving up.”

GBeNeFN | Max Bradfield