Emre: "I Know All About Derby Games"

Last updated : 19 October 2005 By Footy Mad - Editor

The big derby in Istanbul is Galatasaray and Fenerbahce, and Emre scored the winning goal for Galatasary several months short of his 18th birthday on March 1, 1998. Having scored the winning goal against Besiktas, securing the Turkish top-flight title in the process, the legend of Emre Belozoglu was born.

Emre was an overnight success story at Turkish football's biggest club and, determined to keep his young star's feet on the ground, coach Fatih Terim took a hardline stance with the fast-emerging teenager.

Within hours of his momentous goal, Emre was spotted wearing a £4,000 watch and was famously berated in public by his manager. But the Rolex in question had been a present from a team-mate for the performance in the derby.

Emre: "I played in so many derbies in Turkey and many more in Italy and I know what these games are all about. I have heard so much about the Tyne-Wear derbies and I can't wait to experience it for myself. It's something I'm really looking forward to."

Emre's last derby experience was a 1-0 defeat at the hands of AC Milan at the San Siro in February and a player who spent four years as a first teamer with Galatasaray and four years at Inter is hoping his first on Tyneside will bring an improvement in fortunes.