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Ivory Coast defender Emmanuel Agbadou, who recently joined Besiktas from English side Wolverhampton, said he is eager to achieve major success with the black-and-white club and embrace a new challenge in Türkiye.
Speaking to Besiktas’ official YouTube channel, the 28-year-old thanked both clubs for completing the transfer, which took several weeks to finalize.
“Both sides made great efforts for the transfer to happen,” Agbadou said. “Yes, it took a long time, but such things happen in football. Sometimes you have to wait until the best conditions are met for everyone. You have to be professional.”
He said leaving a club on good terms was important to him and thanked both clubs’ presidents, as well as the Besiktas coaching staff, for their interest.
“As a player, this is something I like,” Agbadou said. “That’s why I want to thank all of them for their support.”
Agbadou said he felt positive energy upon arriving in Türkiye, adding that his agent had prepared him for what to expect.
“He talked about how energetic and loving the people are. I felt this as soon as I arrived here,” he said. “This is something I like, because I am African. People in my country are also warm like this.”
He said joining a historic club like Besiktas was a key factor in his decision.
“I thought it would be a good step for my career,” Agbadou said. “I want to win trophies with this club. I want to have the chance to play in the Europa League. That’s why I’m here. Because I like challenges.”
Agbadou praised Besiktas head coach Sergen Yalcin, saying their initial conversations left a strong impression.
“As a player, knowing that you will work with a coach who will prepare you in the best way feels good,” he said. “He talked about the game plan and what he is planning. I liked this, because this is exactly the style I want to play.”
He said players with experience in Türkiye also spoke positively about the league and atmosphere.
“I felt ready for a new challenge,” Agbadou said. “When you go out onto the pitch, the fans give you tremendous energy. I love that.”
Describing his playing style, Agbadou said he sees himself as a leader on the pitch.
“I fight for my team on the pitch,” he said. “In every match I play, I want to give 100%. I also try to give positive energy to my teammates.”
He said his experience in Belgium, France and England helped shape his approach, and that he aims to contribute through leadership and ball distribution from the back.
“If you want to control the game, you need to start well from the back,” he said. “This is my playing identity.”
Agbadou said the move to Besiktas is also important for his international ambitions, with the World Cup approaching at the end of the season.
“To keep developing, you have to play,” he said. “This is also important for my national team career, because there is a lot of competition.”
He urged Besiktas fans to continue backing the team.
“With their support, we will reach much better places,” he said.
Agbadou arrived in Istanbul on Friday at Ataturk Airport’s General Aviation Terminal, where he was welcomed by Besiktas Vice President Kaan Kasaci and club officials.
The Ivory Coast international previously played for San Pedro and U.S. Monastir before moving to Europe with Eupen and Reims, later joining Wolverhampton in the Premier League. He has earned 18 caps for Ivory Coast, scoring twice.
This season, Agbadou has made 17 appearances for Wolverhampton, an experience Besiktas is counting on as it strengthens its squad.
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