Kökcü: "I feel like part of the family"

INTERVIEW

A new addition for the 2023/24 season, Kökcü spoke to reporters ahead of the first practice of the training camp at St. George's Park, in England, which runs until Saturday, July 15.

"Benfica is a big and welcoming club. The players, the coaching staff, and the staff are very close, and I feel like part of the family. Everyone makes me feel welcome, and that's very important. I'm happy to be here and looking forward to playing", started by saying the new signing.

"I started talking to Benfica in January, and after that, I watched the games and did my research. I found that it was a great club with a lot of fans. When I walk on the street, I see that the fans love Benfica. I believe that this is the perfect step for my career", he stressed.

"I'm used to the pressure. In the Dutch league, there was also a lot of pressure because I was young and captain of Feyenoord, but I like it. I know there are good teams in Portugal, but we are focused on ourselves and working hard. Now we have to get to know our teammates better, especially me. Let's not think about the end, we have to give everything during the season", he guaranteed.

Pleased to be reunited with Aursnes, with whom he played at Feyenoord, the Turkey international also looked ahead to a future partnership with Di María: "We haven't had a chance to get to know each other yet, but he's a fantastic player who has played for several top clubs. He has a fantastic career and I believe I can learn a lot from him."