Beşiktaş's new transfer Hugo Almeida, answered questions from the press in Antalya. The Portuguese striker, who is one of the most attention-grabbing players at the team's mid-season camp explained the reason behind why he chose to join Beşiktaş. According to Almeida, there are three reasons why he came to Turkey.
"First of all, because Beşiktaş continues on the path to Europe and because I wanted to be a part of the team. Secondly, because there are other Portuguese players on the team and most importantly because Beşiktaş wants to win the UEFA Europa League Cup."
REFEREES MUST PUT ON THE BRAKES
Stating that as long as they do things right, they will surely be able to close the 14-point gap in the league standings, the 26-year-old footballer also touched upon the violent nature on the field. "As far as I saw in the last game, Turkey's referees do not make their calls according to the violence played out on the field. The referees must be hard and not the players. When the referees take on the firmness needed, and then the best of Turkish football will be even further on display. Had there been some lines drawn, then the game may not be so tough." Expressing that he can promise to do his best at everything he does, Almeida stated, "I can't give a number of goals. The only promise I can make is that I will work very hard here and I will give it all on the field. If I score ten goals that would be good, but 15, that would be better."
I HAVE HEARD OF ALEX, BUT…
When asked whether he was familiar with his important rivals such as Fenerbahçe player Alex, Almeida said, "I have heard of Alex, but I don't know him personally. There are always rival players that will test you in every league. However, Beşiktaş is responsibility for itself. It is of no interest to us what other teams do. We will look out for ourselves."
Mourinho wanted me…
Explaining that although he had received a number of offers prior to the transfer to Beşiktaş, however he believes he has made the right decision, Almeida states, "I know Mourinho wanted me. He will always have a special place for me. It is because of him that I started at Porto and reached the higher levels. I didn't receive an official offer from Real Madrid; I just knew Mourinho wanted me. Of course, playing in Real Madrid is every football player's dreams. I also, harbor such dreams. Beşiktaş is a great club. I am very happy to be here. I think I made the right decision. I understand this better now. Maybe if the conditions are right, I may go play for Real Madrid in the years to come, and we can discuss this further then.
Mesut is a good friend…
Noting that Mesut Özil, the Turkish-origin player on Real Madrid, is the most important player in Germany, Almeida shared that they are actually really good friends. "It pleases me to see the point he has reached. Maybe one day we will have the chance to use the same changing room."