The Turkish midfielder expresses his feelings on Instagram: “Never betrayed Inter nor said I wasn`t happy: history will remember who stood tall and not who raised their voice.” Thuram supports the Turk.
Hakan Calhanoglu.
Hakan Calhanoglu has responded to Lautaro Martinez through a statement published on social media, saying: “Words that divide and not unite. History will remember who stood tall and not who raised their voice. The future? We`ll see. I never said I wasn`t happy here, I never betrayed this shirt.”
The Statement
Below is the full text published by Calhanoglu on Instagram in two languages, Italian and Turkish: “After the injury suffered in the Champions League final, we decided to travel to the United States anyway. Being there, even without playing, was important for me. I wanted to be close to the group, to offer my support. Unfortunately, during a training session in the United States, I suffered another injury in a different area. The diagnosis was clear: a muscle tear. That`s why I couldn`t play. There`s nothing else to it. No hidden story. Yesterday we lost. And it hurts. I felt it with sadness, not just as a player, but as a person who truly cares about this team. Despite the injury, immediately after the final whistle, I called some teammates to show my support. Because when you care, that`s what you do. What struck me the most, however, were the words that came afterward. Hard words. Words that divide, not unite.”
Calhanoglu`s Further Remarks
Calhanoglu continued on Instagram: “Throughout my career, I have never looked for excuses. I have always taken responsibility. And in difficult times, I have always tried to be a point of reference. Not with words, but with actions. I respect every opinion, even that of a teammate, even that of the president. But respect cannot be one-way. I have always shown it, on and off the field. And I believe that in football, as in life, true strength lies precisely in knowing how to respect each other, especially in the most delicate moments. I have never betrayed this shirt. I have never said I was unhappy at Inter. In the past, I received offers, even very significant ones, but I chose to stay. Because I know what this shirt represents. And I thought my choices spoke for themselves. I have had the honor of being the captain of my national team, and I learned that the true leader is the one who stands by his teammates, not the one who looks for a culprit when it`s easier to do so. I love this sport. I love this club. And I love these colors, for which I have given everything every day. The future? We will see. But history will always remember who stood tall. Not who shouted the loudest.”
Thuram`s Like
The exchange of accusations and statements has shifted front. From cameras and TV, it`s moved directly onto the social media field. The latest protagonist to join? Marcus Thuram, who apparently sides with the Turkish midfielder. The French forward “liked” the post through which Calha told his truth, responding to Lautaro and Marotta. A “thumbs up” that risks carrying weight these days, because social media often doesn`t reflect reality, but a “like” on such a heavy post is unlikely to be accidental. What is certain is that vacations after a grueling season will be good for everyone. Including those who will no longer be part of Inter next season.
