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Emre

On 29th March 1990 Emre became a licensed footballer for Zetinburnspor, starting out as an amateur where fans took particular interest and noticing his good left foot control. Salih Bulgurlu paid special attention to Emre and gave him training, he spent four years with Emre improving his technique, fitnes and stamina.

Emre was recognised as a special talent by the time he was 12 and was quickly discovered by Galatasary legend Bulent Under who was close friends with Galatasary manager Fatih Terim and he pleaded that Emre be given a chance at Galatasary.

Emre officially became a Galatasary player in 1995 and was the centre of attention as he rose his way up the ranks through the youth team and at 16 years old he was given his professional debut in the Galatasary first team. At the end of that season Galatasary were drawing 2-2 with rivals Besiktas in the closing stages of the game. His goal not only won the match, but also the Turkish Superleague.

When Emre turned 18 he got his driving license and bought his first ever car but manager Terim advised him not to live such a life so early and helped guide Emre into becoming a more responsible person.

At Galatasary Emre became a huge success, helping the club to win four Superleague titles and three Turkish Cup trophies. It was not only in Turkey where was successful, in Europe he won the UEFA Cup and a European Super Cup with Galatasary defeating Champions League winners Real Madrid.

As Emre began to feel success he experienced his most devastasting moment in October 2000 at 5:30am. Emre with some friends were driving to a mosque in Istanbul when they swerved to avoid a car that had incorrectly crossed the motorway, but they failed to swerve and hit the other car. The man inside the car died of his injuries, Emre promised to support the mans family by giving money, food and aid and staying in touch with them.

It wasn;t long before Emre caught the eye of Europes big boys with the likes of Real Madrid, Barcelona and AC Milan chasing the young star, but it was Inter Milan who won his signature.

Emre joined Inter Milan for €10million and would become an instant fan favourite. At Inter he eanred the nickname 'Maradona of Bosphorus' after being compared to the Argentine. Emre excelled at Inter and also carried his form into international football, helping Turkey to third at the 2006 FIFA World Cup.

Newcastle were first given a taste of Emre's ability when they met Inter in the 2002/2003 Champions League. EMre played both games as Inter won 4-1 at St.James Park but were held by two Alan Shearer goals at the San Siro.

Injuries, however, would niggle at Emre and forced him out of favour to the point where be became available for transfer. On July 14th 2005 he made the move to Newcastle for £3.8million and became very popular on Tyneside, particular his first Tyne-Wear derby. Newcastle and Sunderland were deadlocked at 2-2 when Emre curled in a free kick via aid of the post to give Newcastle a 3-2 victory.

Info

Full name: Emre Belozoglu
DOB: 7th September 1980
Place of Birth: Istanbul, Turkey
Height: 5ft 7in
Position: Centre Midfield
Signed from: Inter Milan
Date signed: 14th June 2005
Debut: 3rd August 2005 v Deportivo la Coruna

Facts

Emre was banned from international football for six games following his part in a post match brawl.

Emre threatened to quit Newcastle in 2007 after being branded a racist following an incident at Everton FC. Emre denied all charges and states his close friendship with Obafemi Martin is proof that his is not a racist.

When Emre joined Galatasary he fulfilled his fathers dreams. His father was unable to play for Galatasary and had dreamed of his son playing for the club.