Arda Turan is probably the current biggest talent of Turkish football, with the creative forward plying his trade in Catalunya with Barcelona – although the forward’s relationship with his home nation’s fans is still pretty sour after the abuse he received during Turkey’s 2-0 defeat to the Czech Republic at Euro 2016.
“I tried to not cry.
“But they made my mother cry. But don’t worry, I’ll hold them to account.”
Arda Turan
The former Atletico Madrid is constantly linked with a move to the Premier League, and if he were to join England’s top flight, there would be a good chance the current-30-year-old would go down as the best Turkish import.
Bülent Akın
What is it with Turkish players and making just one appearance for either Bolton or Blackburn?! Image Source: Twitter
Yıldıray Baştürk
This picture is from his only appearance for the Ewood Park boys.
Image Source: Twitter
Hakan Ünsal
A weird six-month stint with Blackburn, which sandwiched leaving and returning to Galatasaray. Most famous for kicking the ball at Rivaldo in *that* incident. Image Source: Twitter
Gökhan Töre
Useless. Image Source: Twitter
Nuri Sahin
Was meant to become the finest Turkish import into the Premier League. Image Source: Twitter
Hakan Şükür
Never captured his world-class form for anyone other than Galatasaray. Image Source: Twitter
Kerim Frei
Wouldn't be surprised to see Kerim back in the Premier League before he retires.
Image Source: Twitter
Jem Karacan
Probably the only Turkish person with 'Paul' as their middle name. Image Source: Twitter
Emre Belözoğlu
Didier Zokora is always watching you, Emre. Image Source: Twitter
Colin Kazim-Richards
The ultimate journeyman.
Image Source: Twitter
Tuncay Sanli
Feels weird that the striker was in the Premier League as little as four seasons ago. Image Source: Twitter
Alpay
Formed one of the best centre-back partnerships outside of the 'big boys' of the Premier League era.
Image Source: Twitter
Muzzy Izzet
Premier League cult hero.
Image Source: Twitter
Tugay
The master of passing.
Image Source: Twitter
It’s truly remarkable that there have been three worse Turkish players than West Ham’s awful loan deal involving Gokhan Tore.
There’s a couple of cult heroes amongst the list, but the truth is, the English Premier League is still waiting for a true Turkish talent to take the league by storm.
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