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Besiktas’ new star Ciro Immobile challenges Icardi, Mertens, Dzeko

Besiktas' new star Ciro Immobile challenges Icardi, Mertens, Dzeko Besiktas's new transfer Ciro Immobile answers journalists' questions at the press conference in Maribor, Slovenia on July 14, 2024. (AA Photo)
By Selin Hacialioglu
Jul 15, 2024 12:11 PM

Besiktas has signed Italian striker Ciro Immobile, marking a significant addition to their squad.

Immobile, who spent eight years at Lazio, expressed his excitement about this new chapter in his career during a press conference at the team’s training camp in Slovenia.

Immobile ‘ready to compete with Icardi, Mertens and Dzeko’

Besiktas' new star Ciro Immobile challenges Icardi, Mertens, Dzeko
Italian footballer Ciro Immobile greets Besiktas fans as he arrives in Istanbul with the second president of Besiktas Huseyin Yucel (L) and board member Feyyaz Ucar in Istanbul, Türkiye, July 13, 2024. (AA Photo)

Immobile chose Besiktas because he felt valued by the club. “I saw that this was a team that really wanted me, and I felt important,” he said.

He also thanked Lazio for his time there and looked forward to making a significant impact in Türkiye.

The 33-year-old forward welcomes the competition in the Turkish Super League, mentioning prominent players like Mauro Icardi, Dries Mertens, and Edin Dzeko.

“I am ready to compete with Icardi, Mertens, and Dzeko. Important players create competition, and I am not afraid of it,” Immobile stated.

Emphasizing his commitment to giving his best both on and off the field, he said, “I will do my best both on and off the field. At the end of the match, I will show the fans my sweat-soaked jersey.”

Ciro Immobile’s leadership role in Besiktas

Besiktas' new star Ciro Immobile challenges Icardi, Mertens, Dzeko
Besiktas’s new transfer Ciro Immobile answers journalists’ questions at the press conference in Maribor, Slovenia on July 14, 2024. (AA Photo)

In his new role, Immobile aims to be a leader and a key player for Besiktas. “I want to be important for the team and help as much as I can. There is a crucial season ahead, and we need to prepare well,” he said.

Immobile also discussed his conversations with Besiktas’s coach, Giovanni van Bronckhorst, about his role and the team’s needs.

Immobile praised Istanbul and expressed his admiration for the city and the enthusiasm of Besiktas fans. “Istanbul is a wonderful city. I have a large family, so city decisions are also important.

I asked Sirigu, Bonucci, and Mertens about Istanbul, and they praised it highly,” he shared. He also mentioned the passionate support of Besiktas fans, comparing them to the Lazio supporters he cherished.

Besiktas’ expectations from Ciro Immobile

Besiktas' new star Ciro Immobile challenges Icardi, Mertens, Dzeko
Besiktas Board Member Feyyaz Ucar attends the press conference in Maribor, Slovenia on July 14, 2024. (AA Photo)

Besiktas’s Vice President Huseyin Yucel explained the intense negotiations to bring Immobile to the club. “Ciro Immobile showed great commitment to come to Besiktas. We negotiated seriously with Lazio, and Ciro decided to join us by making sacrifices,” Yucel said.

Besiktas board member Feyyaz Ucar added that they expect Immobile to score at least 25 goals this season. “I believe Ciro, including penalties, will not score less than 25 goals,” Ucar stated.

As Besiktas gears up for the new season, Immobile’s arrival is expected to boost their offensive capabilities and bring a new level of excitement to the team.

His experience and leadership are set to play a crucial role as Besiktas aims for success in the upcoming season.

Last Updated:  Jul 15, 2024 2:53 PM
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