Bastürk heads to Hertha
Wednesday, June 9, 2004
Article summary
Turkey playmaker Yildiray Bastürk has joined Hertha BSC Berlin on a free transfer from Bayer 04 Leverkusen.
Article body
Key component
The 25-year-old midfield player, a key component of the Leverkusen side that reached the 2002 UEFA Champions League final, reportedly refused advances from SV Werder Bremen, Celtic FC and Fenerbahçe SK to join the Berlin club.
Three-year deal
He has signed a three-year deal, to the delight of Hertha president Dieter Hoeness. "I am extremely happy," he said. "Yildiray was one of the players we really wanted. It wasn't easy to get him because his services were highly sought after."
Looking forward
Bastürk himself is looking forward to the new challenge after three years with Leverkusen. "Berlin belong among the top teams in Germany and I want to help them achieve exactly that," he said. "The club has a lot to offer and a lot of potential. I am looking forward to the challenge."
