"We tried everything" – DFB boss on Can Uzun's decision to play for Turkey over Germany

Eligible to play for both Turkey and Germany, Eintracht Frankfurt star Can Uzun last year opted to represent the former at senior level after careful consideration.

Since then, 19-year-old Uzun has emerged as a standout player for Eintracht Frankfurt in the Bundesliga, and his performances have brought a touch of wistfulness for the German Football Association (DFB).

“He was, of course, a player who was very highly regarded by us,” DFB CEO Andreas Rettig told reporters on Monday.

“We tried everything to get him excited about the Eagle [Germany] and not the Crescent [Turkey]. That didn’t work out.”

Uzun made his debut for Turkey last year and has since gone on to feature three times for the national team

“Unfortunately, he is not available to us. When a family, after careful consideration, ultimately decides on this path, I don’t think it’s our place to criticise that decision. 

"He has chosen Turkey, and we have to respect that. We wish him all the best.”