Kenan Yıldız, a Turkish footballer playing for Juventus in Serie A, recently appeared as a guest in the "Ayın Tarihi" magazine published by the Presidential Communications Department. Yıldız discussed his goals, the transfer from Bayern Munich to Juventus, and his journey with the national team.

Yıldız, who started his career in the Bayern Munich youth system, explained the transfer process to Juventus. He also shared his experiences and choices regarding the A national team. Defining himself as a calm person, Yıldiz said, "I am really active and happy when I am with my friends. They even say I am hyperactive because of how much fun I have with them. When it comes to football, I love it. I can say that in my life, there is my family, my religion, and then football. So, sport and football are among the three most important things in my life."

The national player, who began playing football in front of his house in Germany, emphasized the role of his family in his career. He stated, "I used to play in front of our house when I was very young, just for fun. My neighbor, who was five years older than me, played for a football club. His coach asked him to bring me along once, and I went with him. The club was named SV Sallern, and the coach, Detlef Staude, was a great person. I started football this way. My family's support was immense during this process. They gave me everything, and I wouldn't be here without them. They supported me in school, and my father trained with me every day. He took me to every training and tournament, so I must thank them for everything."

"I CHOSE TURKEY BECAUSE I LOVE TURKEY"

Yıldız emphasized that playing for the A national team means a lot to him. He said, "I haven't said it yet, but in the past, there was a situation where 'Germany did not want me.' I chose Turkey because I love Turkey and want to play for the Turkish national team. I feel at home here; this is my country."

When asked about the most memorable match in the 2024 European Football Championship, Yıldiz responded, "Of course, the Austria match, because it was an incredible game. Everything we did there, our feelings, and the work we put in was amazing. The progression of the match was truly unbelievable, and I will never forget it. In 2024, we had a heavy defeat against them in a special match. But this is football, there are comebacks. We didn't really think about it because it was a special match, we tried many things, we learned from it, and to be honest, we had a beautiful revenge."

"JUVENTUS OFFERED ME THE BEST SPORTING OPTION"

Yıldiz, who made the transfer from Bayern Munich's youth system to Juventus, talked about his transition to the Italian club. He noted that they had discussions to extend his contract with Bayern Munich, which was nearing its end. He stated, "They didn't offer me a good option, and I didn't feel that they believed in me. So, I talked with other clubs. Juventus offered me the best sporting option, which was the most important thing for me to chart the right path. Since I've been at Juventus, I've really felt at home and secure. Everyone around me is great people. The club kept its promises and has provided me with everything so far, so I am very happy to be there and to be on this path. I have extended my contract until 2030. I am really enjoying the stance I have here and the club's culture."

"SOME DAY, I WANT TO WIN THE BALLON D'OR"

Yıldiz also mentioned the footballers he looks up to, including Alessandro Del Piero and Turkey's Hakan Çalhanoğlu. He added, "My goal is to win as many cups as possible, have a good career, and succeed in the future."