Brighton and Hove Albion striker Deniz Undav has insisted he will continue to share his opinions publically, criticising those in the game who ‘say it behind your back’.
The striker has been speaking to BILD about his career to date as part of a recent press conference with the German national team.
He’s looking likely to be a part of Julian Nagelsmann’s squad for Euro 2024 this summer after a goal laden loan spell at VfB Stuttgart.
He joined them from Brighton in the summer and proved to be an instant success story, bagging 18 goals and 10 assists in 30 games in the Bundesliga, despite playing in less than 75% of the available minutes across the campaign.
The German side are keen to keep him permanently and Undav is equally enthusiastic about the idea, regularly expressing his desire to stay and make his move from Brighton permanent.
That’s a far cry from the norm in modern football, where footballers’ often do their talking via agents and PR agencies and are guarded in what they reveal.
Undav, though, seemingly doesn’t like that and has taken a swipe at those in the game who do their talking behind your back.
“I am proud of my path. I think I had to overcome a lot of hurdles,” he said.
“That made me a man, changed my character. I represent my opinion, I’m always honest and I’m proud of the fact that things have never changed. Everything could have been different. I want to keep it fun.
“So, I’m still having fun, trying to enjoy every moment and I think hopefully it will continue to be that way.
“Otherwise, as a person, I have learned a lot about how certain people can be, behind the scenes and everything, and I try not to be that, so I express my opinion openly and honestly. It’s better to say it to your face and you’ll have a problem with it, but at least I gave you my opinion and don’t say it behind your back.”
