Calhanoglu on possible Inter summer transfer and Ballon d’Or achievement for Turkey | OneFootball

Hakan Calhanoglu is proud to be the first Turkish player named for the Ballon d’Or in 21 years and confirms he received offers last summer but didn’t want to leave ‘and Inter didn’t want to sell me anyway.’

Calhanoglu played in Turkey’s 3-1 win over Iceland on Monday and spoke to local media after the final whistle, as reported by TMW.

The experienced midfielder is among the top 30 Ballon d’Or candidates for 2024 alongside his Inter teammate Lautaro Martinez and proudly spoke about his achievement.

“When I am involved, there is always criticism, but I do not listen,” he said.

Calhanoglu on possible Inter summer transfer and Ballon d’Or achievement for Turkey

“I don’t want to sound arrogant, but after 21 years, a Turkish player is back on the Ballon d’Or list, and I am proud of it. I try to serve my country in the best possible way.”

Calhanoglu had attracted interest from Bayern Munich last summer, but rumours didn’t last long as the Turkish playmaker was unwilling to leave, and the Serie A champions didn’t even consider selling their star.

“I received offers in the past months, but I said I wanted to stay at Inter, who didn’t want to let me go anyway. As I said, it was not in my power,” Calhanoglu confirmed.

“I’ll try to play at the highest level possible. As for the national team, I want to play my 100th game with Turkey, which has always been my target. If the body wants and makes it, I hope to continue my football career for as long as possible.”

Calhanoglu joined Inter on a free transfer from Milan in the summer of 2021.

The 30-year-old is under contract at the Stadio Meazza until June 2027. Last season, he scored 15 goals and provided three assists in 40 appearances across all competitions, contributing to Inter’s winning the 20th Serie A title in their history.