Turkey was the target of yet another suicide bombing attack at the weekend which left 45 dead and many more wounded. This was the 26th different bombing attack in just a space of one year in Turkey and this time it happened at Besiktas’ Vodafone Arena.
After the game that saw Besiktas beat their arch-rivals Bursaspor 2-1, the bombing attack happened… And today the Turkish media are speaking about one common figure: West Ham United manager Slaven Bilic.
Bilic said: ”We were there for 2 years with my staff. It’s unbelievable what happened there. I’ve been all around the world for holidays or working or something else… They may be the best people I have ever met. It’s so sad what’s happened at one of the best cities in the world and one of the best countries. They’re so friendly, so warm so good. Turkey doesn’t deserve these kind of things. I am offering them to my condolences.”
Bilic, previously at Besiktas where he is seen as a fan favourite, has won the many hearts of the ’emotionally wounded”Turkish people with his words about their country. Milliyet carries the news as ‘Bilic captures the hearts yet again.’
Cumhuriyet reports ‘Slaven Bilic’s unforgettable speech’ and Futbol Arena said the West Ham manager was full of emotion after yesterday’s game.
On behalf of Turkish people I would like to offer my biggest thanks to Bilic for these kind words. We all know how a great human-being you are, we all know you are the man of people. Yes it’ll not bring back the people who were dead, yes it’ll not help the wounded people to recover but it’s still very important. ”Hlava Slaven!”
Nihat Emre Kocaaslan, Turkey.
