In an interview with Gazzetta dello Sport, Hakan Çalhanoğlu stated that he wants to reach the Champions League final again and emphasized that he has no intention of leaving Inter Milan.

"Calhanoglu, lead us to the Champions League!" In Perth, Inter Milan fans waited for the team's training session with banners, hoping to get photos and souvenirs. Some even traveled from afar, just for a jersey, having "driven 720 kilometers to get here." Like many of his teammates, Calhanoglu patiently signed souvenirs for the fans before taking a shower to avoid catching a cold and preparing for his first real match: he is expected to start against Juventus tonight. In this lengthy interview, Calhanoglu clearly expressed his loyalty to Inter and ruled out leaving the club. He didn't see the Turkish national team as a temptation, only wanting to earn a contract extension that hasn't been discussed yet, which expires in 2027. But his words weren't demands or fiery appeals; they were just some blurry photos from a period of stagnation; a gentle shake of this Polaroid photo would quickly reveal the future.

How are you feeling physically right now, Çalhanoğlu?

“I’m fine. I want to thank Chivu, who gave me a few extra days of rest after the World Cup. I was a bit mentally exhausted during that time, but I recovered. The training intensity is very high now, we run a lot, but I’m constantly improving.”

What happened to the Turkish team at the World Cup?

"We had hoped to accomplish something significant, to rekindle a great dream after 24 years, but the outcome didn't meet our expectations. It's a shame, but these things can happen in football too. As captain, I'm very sad because our country is full of passion. But we must look forward. I won't give up and am ready to try again in 2030."

Inter Milan finished the season very well. Your goal against Roma, that sudden long-range shot just before halftime, is considered by many to be the turning point that helped the team secure the championship.

“That was a very tough moment for us. But I don’t know if it was the decisive goal. For me, it’s nothing new to shoot when I see an opening. I don’t stand there thinking too much. I just shoot directly. That’s my habit. I even scored a free kick from 40 meters out when I was in Hamburg.”

How did you develop this shooting ability?

“Part of it is talent, and part of it is training. When I was a child, I trained strength and accuracy with my father. Later, a coach in the Waldhofmanheim youth academy helped me improve a lot. His name was Stefan Gross, who was also the father of Brighton player Pascal Gross.”

Which player do you admire most technically?

“Juninho. He is the best. I have always tried to imitate him.”

Why are core members of organizations like yours no longer as popular?

"This is a difficult question to answer. Perhaps my difference comes from the path I've taken: I started as an attacking midfielder, honing my vision and tactical understanding, and later became a defensive midfielder. But I think there are still many excellent midfielders now, it's just that their characteristics may be different."

Who made you make that transition on the field?

“I played a game or two with Gattuso when I was in Milan, but I wasn’t mentally ready at the time. I felt like I was an attacking midfielder. Later at Inter Milan, after Brozovic left, Simone Inzaghi told me that he thought I was very suitable to play as a deep-lying playmaker. We tried this arrangement in the summer and it worked very well, so that’s how I came to be.”

Paradoxically, you're scoring more goals now than before.

"Now I get more passes to myself from outside the penalty area. If I have the chance, I'll shoot."

You mentioned Mannheim, the city where you were born and raised. What is life like for a Turkish family in Germany?

“My father worked for a pharmaceutical company and never let us lack anything. Of course, I consider myself Turkish and have preserved the traditions, culture, and religion of my homeland. I am a devout Muslim and have even made the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca, a moment that filled me with immense excitement. But I can only thank Germany for nurturing me and making me a player. From Karlsruhe to Leverkusen, and then to Hamburg, German football education has been a crucial step in my career.”

But didn't you want to be a policeman when you were a kid?

"Yes, I'm curious about this kind of work. Watching others, wearing uniforms—all of that has attracted me. But most of the time, being a player is still better..."

You have now been accepted by Italy.

“I’m so happy to live in your country. I didn’t even realize how fast time has flown by. When I first arrived, I didn’t think about how long I would stay. I just wanted to enjoy the experience and live in the moment.”

It's called Inter Milan right now, isn't it?

“I’m happy to stay here. My wife and I have integrated very well in Milan; it’s the same at Inter. We have many friends, and our children are in school. As for the future, that’s not up to me, but up to the club.”

You also bear some responsibility.

"No, because there hasn't even been any talk about a contract extension. I'm a player, and I only focus on playing football. But in the last five years, we've done a lot of good things: won eight trophies and reached the Champions League final twice. The fans love me, and I love them too. We'll see what happens next."

So why does every year in Istanbul a coach or president say that Çalhanoğlu wants to play football in Türkiye?

"To be honest, I don't understand why my name is always being dragged into this. I'm the national team captain, and it's normal for club presidents to ask me questions or offer advice about other players. But transfer matters are handled by my agent: if you have any questions, you can ask him."

Alexander Stankovic has returned to Inter Milan; he may be your successor.

“I’m glad he’s more mature and understands football better than before. I think he can continue to learn from all of us.”

What goals have you set for next season?

“Defend our trophy. Then my dream goal is to play in the Champions League final again. For me, we can compete with any team: we are very strong.”

What do you personally hope for?

"I want to avoid injuries. I regret missing so many games last season. But sometimes prevention isn't enough, and accidents can happen."

However, your performance was crucial at the time, and you even performed that dazzling championship dance.

"You see me being very serious on the field because I'm very focused during the competition. But off the field, I'm just a normal person. Music is my passion; it makes me happy and gives me energy. I can dance, and I'll turn the music up as loud as it can go. But I can't sing: once on a TV show, they handed me the microphone. Let's not talk about it..."

Your most rebellious side is probably that Harley-Davidson motorcycle.

“That’s right. But I’ve already sold it because Director Ausilio threatened me (laughs). It shows I’ll listen to advice. I’ll buy another motorcycle after I retire.”

What do you want to do after you retire?

"I haven't decided yet. I definitely won't become a coach. Maybe I'll become an agent or sporting director. But I think I could also be the president of the Turkish Football Federation."

One last question: Why did you change your hairstyle?

“I had a hair transplant. My teammates, Modric was joking about it during the derby a couple of days ago. But I think it's fine: I feel better now.”