Inter Milan Midfield Stalwart Over The Moon After Ending Turkey’s FIFA World Cup Drought: “Let’s Make The Nation Proud” | OneFootball

Inter Milan midfielder Hakan Calhanoglu captained Turkey to a long-awaited FIFA World Cup qualification. 

Speaking to the press after the game, the 32-year-old couldn’t hide his excitement for beating Kosovo in the playoff final, as reported by FCInterNews.

Turkey squeezed past Franco Foda’s side in an intense clash at the Stadiumi Fadil Vokrri to lock down a place in this summer’s tournament.

Indeed, after overcoming Romania in the semi-finals, the Crescent-Stars faced Kosovo in a ‘winner takes all’ final on hostile turf.

However, they lived up to their tag as pre-match favorites, as Fenerbahce forward Kerem Akturkoglu inspired them to a narrow win in Pristina.

Meanwhile, Hakan Calhanoglu wore the captain’s armband for the 37th time.

Despite suffering a minor injury against Romania, the Nerazzurri playmaker gritted his teeth and delivered a commanding performance.

And unlike his Italian teammates, the former AC Milan ace will fight for World Cup glory this summer.

Inter Milan Star Hakan Calhanoglu Keen to Make Turkey Nation Proud at World Cup

It has been a while since Turkey last featured in the World Cup finals.

Indeed, their last appearance at the most prestigious international tournament came in 2002, when they won the bronze medal.

After more than two decades, Vincenzo Montella has guided the Turks back to football’s biggest stage.

Meanwhile, Calhanoglu heaped praise on his teammates after a gutsy win in Pristina.

“Look, this team deserves it,” the skilled midfielder said after the game, “Remember, we are good people, we have strong character.

“We earned this. We hope to make our nation proud even at the World Cup. Almighty God is with us.”

Fresh off reaching the World Cup, Calhanoglu will return from international duty to help Inter finish the job in Serie A.

Indeed, Cristian Chivu’s men take on Roma on Sunday in a must-win league clash, looking to end a three-game winless streak.