İsmail Yüksek: 'Carrying this crest, representing it at the World Cup is a great honor'

Turkish national football player İsmail Yüksek described the feeling of wearing the national team's jersey at the World Cup as a profound source of pride, expressing excitement for the team's upcoming debut match.

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My feathers stood on end. It's a very luxurious dream. Being here right now is a great honor. Carrying this crest, representing it at the World Cup is a great honor.

"My feathers stood on end. It's a very luxurious dream. Being here right now is a great honor. Carrying this crest, representing it at the World Cup is a great honor," Yüksek stated during a media event. He emphasized that the team aims to provide an enjoyable tournament experience for their country from start to finish.

The upcoming match against Australia in Vancouver marks Turkey's first World Cup appearance in 24 years. Yüksek reflected on past difficulties he overcame, vowing to give his best performance if selected to play. He also noted the collective excitement within the squad, as none of the current players have prior World Cup experience.

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I will think about the difficulties I experienced in the past. They will come to my mind. If I play tomorrow, I will give my best fight on the field. Even if I don't play, I will give my support.

Yüksek commended head coach Vincenzo Montella, observing that the Italian coach appears more like a "Turkish coach" now, deeply invested in the team's success. He added that Montella conveys the importance of the World Cup and the need for thorough preparation to the players, a sentiment the team is actively embracing on the field.

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I think he has great excitement. He is experiencing the excitement he had during his playing days as a coach. It is a great honor for him to come as a coach for another nation, even though it is not his own country. He now appears as a Turkish coach, not Italian. He also feels this emotion and excitement, I think. He conveys this to the players in the best way possible.