Today I read a column on the subject by a writer I quite like cause he's often on the same level as I am. I'll translate:
YILDIRIM'S CHOICE IS ABOVE ALL VERY BRAVE
It cost hit many nights of sleep, Ugur Yildirim. Born and raised in Apeldoorn, but with Turkish roots, and thus in the possession of two passports. He had an invitation of both Holland and Turkey on his nightstand, but whom to choose? Not easy, because choosing once means choosing for ever.
Prior to his decision, Yildirim spoke of a choice between
head and
heart. His head pushed him towards Oranje, because their style of play was more suitable for him. But the heart urged him to choose Turkey. Because, above all, he felt Turkish.
On Saturday, the final word came at last as Ugur told the world he had chosen Holland.
That makes it a
wise choice instead of an
emotional one, but above all it's very, very brave. Because his choice for Holland was a choice for himself. Let's face it; had he picked Turkey, the whole of Holland would just have indifferently raised their shoulders.
Oh well... What's for dinner.
The Turkish community in our country, however, reacted slightly different and regards Yildirim's choice as a slap in the face. Yildirim was an absolute hero in their eyes but is now seen as a traitor. Yildirim knew this in advance, but chose Holland anyway, thus choosing the most difficult path. Whomever has such an amount of courage is clearly not a push-over.
And that should only increase Marco van Basten's joy over Yildirim's choice. After all, players with such a fighting mentality are rare in the lowest land on earth where anything goes and nothing is worth fighting for.
Geert Jan Darwinkel
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Great column!
Good luck Yildirim!