Play-off push buoys Bülent

By Türker Tozar

Turkey captain Bülent Korkmaz is preparing to win his 92nd international cap in the first leg of the UEFA EURO 2004™ play-off against Latvia on Saturday. However, a place at EURO 2004™ is not the only remaining target for the veteran Galatasaray SK defender, who is also aiming to become the first player to win a century of caps for his country.

Consistent performer
Bülent might be turning 35 this month but he is still regarded as the most consistent footballer in Turkey. Despite his advancing years, Bülent stresses that he has no intention of retiring, believing he is still more ambitious than many younger players when it comes to winning trophies. He also feels the national team means something special for him. "Every time I wear the national team shirt, I feel excited," he said. "My target is to be the longest-serving player in the Turkish national team and to continue to be the captain."

'Strong commitment'
He believes his professionalism has enabled him to play for so long, saying: "I have a strong commitment to the game. If you can balance your private life with your work and train hard to keep your level, you can continue serving the game for many long years. But you should not forget the importance of education and maturity, and you can always learn new things."

Youth and experience
It is traditional in Turkish football for players who are over 30 to have one eye on retirement. This was the case until a decade ago, but attitudes have changed in recent years, with coaches looking for more experience to blend with fresh, dynamic talents.

Memorable games
Bülent has grown into the role of senior professional and is a model for young footballers as a good player who has respect for his job and has shown great loyalty towards his club. Bülent was promoted to Galatasaray's senior side from the youth team in 1987 and has gone on to make more than 400 appearances for the club, participating in some memorable games along the way, including the 2000 UEFA Cup victory against Arsenal FC and the UEFA Super Cup win against Real Madrid CF the same year.

International success
Bülent has also enjoyed considerable success at international level, playing in every major tournament for Turkey. Having played in the finals of EURO '96™ and UEFA EURO 2000™, he was an integral figure as his side reached the semi-finals of the 2002 FIFA World Cup, eventually finishing third. Now Bülent has set his sights on his fourth international tournament and aims to help Turkey clinch a place in next summer’s finals in Portugal.

'I hate losing'
He leads by example, his high-energy displays revealing a fierce will to will. "Although I am a professional footballer, you should have some amateur spirit inside," he said. "I cannot stand losing even if I am playing football with friends just for fun. I always want to win.

'Football is my life'
That passion for the game looks likely to be a lifelong one for the player, who is already looking to a long-term future in which football will again feature. "Football decides the route of my life," he admits. "I cannot think of a life without football. That's why I believe I will not be leaving the football scene after retiring from the game."

Young at heart
He may be a footballing veteran, but as Latvia would do well to take notice, Bülent's passion for the game shows no signs of abating just yet.