Real Nihat ready to step forward

Despite saying he has failed to live up to expectations since rejoining Beşiktaş JK, Nihat Kahveci talks happily about finishing his career where it started: "I intend to sign off playing at Beşiktaş."

Slow start
The 64-times capped Turkey striker returned to Istanbul last summer after seven and a half seasons in Spain, but has since mustered a solitary goal from 13 appearances. Beşiktaş, too, have struggled on the back of securing their 13th league title, sitting third in their domestic top flight and with only the consolation of UEFA Europa League qualification to fight for in Europe. "We didn't start the season very well," Nihat told uefa.com. "Even when we played well, results weren't good, in the Turkish league or the Champions League."

'High expectations'
Even so, the 29-year-old is glad to be back at the Inönü Stadium after spells at Real Sociedad de Fútbol and Villarreal CF. "Off the pitch things have been great; everyone has been very welcoming. But on it, I am still not happy with my performances. I need to improve because my own expectations are very high. I just have to work harder and show everyone the real Nihat. Even though I am Turkish, I still need time to adapt because it I have been away for eight years. I probably also need time to reach my best form. I just have to score more goals and after that things will get better and better."

Looking forward
The forward, whose first stay with the Black Eagles yielded 27 goals in 115 Süper Lig games, is optimistic about his future. "I signed a four-year contract so I intend to sign off playing at Beşiktaş. I am happy to be back." Referring to last term's league and cup double, he added: "We must forget the past because football is about today. It looks like we are behind in the league but we still have time and enough matches. Things will pick up."

'Special game'
Although a 3-0 home defeat by VfL Wolfsburg on 3 November ended winless Beşiktaş's hopes of progress from UEFA Champions League Group B, Nihat remains enthused by the Matchday 5 visit to Manchester United FC next Wednesday. "It is going to be a special game as they are the best team in the world," he said. "Playing against them away is so special for me."