Calhanoglu and the transplant: my teammates tease me but I feel better

The new look of Hakan Çalhanoğlu did not go unnoticed in the Inter locker room. The Turkish midfielder confirmed that he underwent a hair transplant and revealed his teammates’ reactions: “They tease me. Even Modric the other day in the derby, but I’m fine with it: I feel better now,” he told La Gazzetta dello Sport.

Looking back at last season, Çalhanoğlu spoke about his goal against Roma, a sudden shot at the end of the first half that many pointed to as the turning point for the title: “It was a delicate moment for us, but I don’t know if it was really the decisive goal. Anyway, it’s nothing new for me to try to shoot when I see space: I don’t stand there thinking, I just go. That’s my way.” The midfielder then revealed that he also scored from 40 meters during his time at Hamburg, from a free kick.

Speaking about his shooting technique, the Nerazzurri playmaker explained: “Part of it is talent, another part is application. Even as a child I practiced with my father on power and accuracy.” He then mentioned Stefan Gross, youth coach at Waldhof Mannheim, as a key figure in his journey. “The player I look up to for technique is Juninho, the best. I tried to imitate him,” he added.

On his tactical evolution, Çalhanoğlu clarified: “I started as a number 10, refining my vision and tactical intelligence, and then I became a number 6. I score more now than before because I get more balls outside the box, and if the chance comes, I shoot.”

The midfielder also spoke about the disappointing World Cup experience with Turkey: “We thought we could do something important, we were living a great dream after 24 years, but it didn’t go as we hoped. Unfortunately, that can happen in football. I’m very sorry as captain, but we have to look ahead. I won’t give up and I’m ready to try again in 2030.”

Born and raised in Mannheim, Çalhanoğlu spoke about his dual identity: “I feel Turkish and I have kept the traditions, culture, and religion of my country. I am a practicing Muslim, I even visited Mecca and was very moved. But I can only thank Germany, which raised me and allowed me to become a footballer.”

Finally, a look to the future after retirement: “Definitely not as a coach. Maybe as an agent or sporting director, but I also see myself as president of the Turkish federation.”