Fenerbahçe Candidate Safi Praises Suarez, Vows to Boost Club's Standing

Fenerbahçe Club Presidential Candidate Hakan Safi met with congress members in Bursa, stating that a new era for the club will begin this weekend. Safi expressed his commitment to supporting Fenerbahçe and acknowledged the club's shortcomings, asserting, "We have become accustomed to second place. We are being lulled. We are being drugged."

Safi emphasized the need for Fenerbahçe to rise again, stating, "Everyone has a love for Fenerbahçe in their eyes, but that Fenerbahçe needs to stand up somehow. We need to bring it out. We want to bring it out." He described himself as both a passionate fan and a brother who came from the stands, later becoming an executive and sponsor before his presidential candidacy. "Whatever feelings you have, I have them all. I feel them too. That's why I set out to make our Fenerbahçe the greatest," he added.

Regarding potential transfers, Safi announced his intention to sign Luis Suarez from Sporting Lisbon if elected. Safi has been following the Colombian footballer for months, meeting him twice. "He is a good scorer, a good professional. I also met and talked with his wife. The statistics speak well. Top scorer. The numbers are incredible. The man scores goals like chickpeas," Safi remarked, praising Suarez's movement and striker profile.

Safi believes Suarez fits Fenerbahçe's attacking football philosophy. "He is a player who fits our format, our attacking football, our aggressive football. Fenerbahçe's genes have always been about attacking football, aggressive football. Therefore, this player is like that," he explained. He noted that other players were also considered, but Suarez desires championship and success, aiming to become top scorer and make history with Fenerbahçe.

Safi also addressed the club's financial situation, stressing the need to increase revenue and stadium capacity. He stated, "We definitely need to increase our stadium capacity to 64,500. Our stadium revenue is currently 80 million euros. Galatasaray's is 120 million euros. We are losing 40 million euros from the stadium every year." He pointed out that Fenerbahçe's current capacity has decreased to 45,000 from 52,500 due to UEFA criteria, while Galatasaray has 55,000 and Beşiktaş has 40,000. "Therefore, our Fenerbahçe needs to build its stadium as soon as possible," Safi urged.