Özcan to change allegiance from Germany to Turkey?
The Kölner-Stadt Anzeiger is reporting that the Turkish Football Association is hoping to naturalize FC Köln midfielder Salih Özcan, who is yet to appear for Germany's senior national team.
The Turkish Football Association is looking into the possibility of naturalizing FC Köln midfielder Salih Özcan, according to the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
Since Özcan played for the German U21 national team after turning 21, a change of association is not in accordance with FIFA regulations.
Nevertheless, the Turkish Football Association is hoping that an exception can be made.
The 24-year-old midfielder is familiar with Turkey coach Stefan Kuntz, who he played under for Germany's U21 national team in the past.
"Salih was my captain for the U21s, and I continue to monitor his career. His progress has stagnated at times, but his recent development has been great, which makes me very happy," Kuntz told the Kölner Stadt-Anzeiger.
"As a Dutch colleague of mine once said: 'We all hate Özcan, but everyone would like to have a player like him in the team'. Salih is a pit bull when he's playing, but a lovely person off the pitch," he added.
Born in Germany into a family of Turkish descent, Özcan has represented Germany at all youth levels. Whether he actually would like to play for Turkey if possible is unclear.
"The fact that Stefan Kuntz, who I owe a lot and who I hold in very hard regard as a person and true football expert, speaks about me in this way honors and pleases me very much," Özcan said.
"But I know that it is my job to focus on the next games and not to be distracted by discussions from outside," said the Köln native, who currently only has a German passport.