‘I’m deeply hurt, my heart is in Türkiye’: Ozan reveals anguish over earthquake tragedy

‘TOUCHED BY FANS’ RESPONSE’: Turkish midfielder Ozan Tufan in action in the victory over Cardiff last weekend. Picture credit: Hull City

By Simon Bristow

Hull City star Ozan Tufan has opened his heart on the tragedy unfolding in his native Türkiye following Monday’s devastating earthquake that has killed nearly 20,000 people in Türkiye and Syria and left thousands more homeless.

The event and its aftermath are being keenly felt at the club, which has strong links to Türkiye through owner Acun Ilıcalı, vice-chairman Tan Kesler and members of the playing squad.

Ozan is one of two Türkiye-born players at the club along with fellow midfielder Dogukan Sinik, while forward Allahyar Sayyadmanesh established his career in the country.

Ilıcalı has been helping to co-ordinate relief efforts in Türkiye with support from the club, while fans have rallied round by giving generously to aid agencies and fundraising appeals.

Speaking at a press conference today ahead of the Tigers trip to Stoke City on Saturday, Ozan spoke candidly and courageously about the situation.

“Yes, it’s a sad situation that’s happening in my country,” he said. “It’s a depressing tragedy. As a Turkish national, I’m feeling deeply depressed about what’s going on in Türkiye. As a father myself I can see children who are struggling … which is making me deeply sad and deeply terrified about the situation.

“I’m offering my deepest condolences to the ones that have fallen, and I’m offering the fastest recovery for the ones that are injured. I want to be there physically but I know that I am here and I need to do a job here, but my mind and my heart is all in Türkiye now.”

Asked if it had been hard to focus on his professional duties, Ozan said: “Yes, it is hard for me to concentrate on football. I am deeply hurt when I’m watching TV or scrolling through social media to get some updates on the present situation there. I know that I have to train here.

“The first day was the hardest for me. I have also spoken to the gaffer [Liam Rosenior] about this and he perfectly understood the situation. I am sometimes having issues with concentrating on the situation. As I’ve said, the Turkish people are emotional, more emotional than you can imagine. However, I’ve spoken to Liam and our teammates; they are all understanding of the situation.

“But I also want to make thanks and everyone [to know] that when I train and when I play football when the weekend comes it will be my hundred per cent.”

HELPING: Hull City chairman Acun Ilıcalı, who is supporting relief efforts in his native Türkiye. Picture credit: Hull City

Asked if the fans’ response had been a source of comfort and pride, Ozan, who has won more than 60 caps for his country, said: “Yes, both the city and the fans are helping to a great extent. It makes me happy and proud to see that. I personally was planning to speak to Acun to see what we can do from the club donation-wise, but I see that the club has already done it. The club has raised a fundraiser and shared the link with the fans. As you said, Acun is already helping the ones in need to a great extent.”

Ozan said he hope more could be done and also thanked fans for their generosity.

On the pitch, the Tigers head to Stoke chasing a third straight win that could see them knocking on the door of the Championship play-offs.

After thrashing Queens Park Rangers 3-0 to give Liam Rosenior his first home win as manager, City followed that up with a well-earned 1-0 victory at home to Cardiff. Now sitting comfortably in mid-table, the Tigers are just four points off a play-off berth.

That welcome run of form prompted assistant head coach Justin Walker to say the side “don’t know when they’re beaten”.

“It’s been good,” Walker told reporters. “I think ever since we’ve come here, the 12 games we’ve had I think we are seeing different sides to the team. I think you need that in the Championship.

“There are going to be games when we control games, and we try and do that in every game that we play, but some days you are not gonna be at your best all the time, you’ve got to find a way of, whether taking a point or keeping your mentality right and maybe find a way back into games as well, so you need different ways to win, and I think this group don’t know when they’re beaten and I think that’s a good sign moving forward.”

Asked if back-to-back home wins had put an extra spring in the step, Walker said: “I think winning always breeds confidence, doesn’t it? I think for every team I think it’s important, obviously. But there’s a reality to maintaining a level head and being humble about what we do every day.

“There’s a process of, while no one’s getting carried away, we’re pushing and we’re trying to improve every day. But of course it’s nice to see the players smiling when they’re coming into training on the back of a win.”