Crossing the Bosphorus and Beyond: Tolgay Arslan's Football Journey to Melbourne
Tue, Oct 17.23
Tolgay Arslan recently concluded his Melbourne City media day at Ultra Football, and during our one-on-one interview, we delved into his journey from growing up in Germany with Turkish heritage to his impressive football career in Europe. Arslan's early life was marked by the lessons instilled by his parents and grandparents, who had emigrated from Turkey to Germany. He reflects, "I would say I am lucky. My grandparents moved first and my parents after them, and I was born and raised in Germany. I was lucky because the chances I had there were much bigger. We didn't have the life what I am living now - but it was a good lesson learning from my parents and grandparents. My father always reminded me - don't forget where you came from. I know the hard times what it took to get to these current times."
Arslan's football journey began to take shape in Germany, catching the eye of Bundesliga giants Borussia Dortmund early on. He reminisces, "In 2003, I signed for Dortmund, then after I signed with Hamburg. I could have signed for other clubs, but I chose Hamburg and got good experience there. At that time, Hamburg was one of the strongest teams. It was fun, but a very important place for me to learn. I remember when I arrived, I trained with Zé Roberto, and he was so good. The best I'd seen at that time. I had the opportunity to work with him closely and learn a lot from him in those early years." In a time when young players struggled to make a mark in the Bundesliga, Arslan recalls, "In my time 10/15 years ago, it wasn't so easy for young players to get their chance. I remember me and Sonny (Son Heung-min) were the young guys that played and we pushed each other to make it. He was my closest friend in Hamburg."
And speaking of his close bond with Son Heung-min, Arslan affirms what we were all wondering, "Yeah (he laughs) he is truly such a lovely guy. We were both young and always together, and it was an incredible time there. We laughed and learned a lot. But I decided to move to Turkey, and Besiktas was the team I chose to continue my career with."
Arslan's transition from Germany to Turkey was not without its challenges. He reflects on the differences, saying, "It was still a big shock when I moved. Being born and growing up in Germany, the language wasn't a problem, but everything was organized and disciplined. In Turkey, it's very different day by day. Starting out driving the car was hard, but after it became fun because there's no rules on the road (he laughs). After a year or two, I got settled and really enjoyed my life there."
He paints a vivid picture of Istanbul, describing it as "the best city in Europe. It never sleeps. Even at 3 am, there's traffic because people are still on the street. For us, it was a big shock. For my kids too, who had school in the mornings. There is always something to do in Istanbul. The quality of life is really high there. For the money you spend, you get a lot. It's an amazing country for service, the people work very hard to make you happy."
Despite being born into a Galatasaray-supporting family after their UEFA Cup success in 2000, Arslan chose Besiktas to fulfil his dream of Champions League experience. He remembers, "I moved to Besiktas because I wanted to play in the Champions League. That was always my dream. I arrived in the January window, and we built a great team, and the next season, we won the league. I did my ACL in that first full season, so I didn't get to play as many games as I would have liked, but it was great to be a part of it."
Winning back-to-back league titles with Besiktas was an unforgettable experience. Arslan expresses, "Besiktas is such a big club. When they pushed hard to get me, I was keen to join and play in front of the fans. I imagined it being big, but my time there was incredible. Winning back-to-back titles made us feel like we could do anything in Istanbul because we were the heroes. Even when I went to restaurants, if they were Besiktas fans, they wouldn't let me pay; on holidays, you would get upgrades to your room. Becoming a champion there is something else."
At Ultra Football we love the fan element of clubs around the world. So sitting with Tolgay as he shared the incredible impact of Besiktas fans and their intimidating stadium, Vodafone Park, was very interesting. Arslan recalls, "I remember one game in particular against (Red Bull) Leipzig. I played that game. Timo Werner, after 30 minutes or so, was substituted because it was too loud. I think he did something to his ear because they took him off, and then after that game, he missed a few weeks. For the first three years, we never lost a game at home. The stadium is in a great location, and the acoustics are crazy. It's just unbelievable."
Arslan explains the unique challenges and rewards of playing for Besiktas, the third-largest team in Turkey, compared to the financial powerhouses Fenerbahce and Galatasaray. "Galatasaray and Fenerbahce spend a lot of money. They build incredible teams. The president of Besiktas is more humble, that's why they are often behind these two clubs. We were lucky that we had such a successful team. In defence we had Pepe. The left-back was Adriano from Barcelona. We had Quaresma, Talisca, and the captain from Canada, Atiba Hutchinson. It was incredible. The fans saw success and wanted more and more. But in Turkey, it is difficult. When you invest money, there's no salary cap or anything, so you can build a crazy team, and that's what Gala and Fener have been able to do consistently over the years."
Senol Güneş, the manager during Arslan's time at Besiktas, played a pivotal role in their back-to-back title wins. Arslan praises him, saying, "He did a great job because it's not easy. We had 17 or 18 players who always wanted to play. He had a good sense of how to work the players. He knew how to push you and get the most out of every individual. We had the quality to win, he knew that, and he just pushed us in ways he knew how, and we could solve any problems on the pitch. He was a big part of that success for sure."
A significant moment in Arslan's career was his goal against Liverpool in a 2-1 home win, which he describes as life-changing. "That changed my life there. I was still relatively new at Besiktas and was working my way back from a broken arm. In the first five or six games, they expected me to play and have a big impact, but I wasn't ready… and then I scored that goal, and it was madness. It meant so much because in Besiktas’ history, their biggest-ever defeat was an 8-0 loss against Liverpool. So after 10 years or so, we got the chance for revenge for our fans. I scored the winning goal to beat them 2-1, and my life really changed from that moment. It was cool."
Arslan reflects on the passion of Turkish football fans and the occasional challenges of being in the spotlight as a top athlete in Istanbul. "It's not dangerous, no. But fans would definitely chase you for photos - no matter who they support. The only thing you had to be mindful of is if you lost a game. You couldn't go out. If fans caught you enjoying your time after a loss, they wouldn't be happy. It's safer to stay at home for two or three days until things become more normal again!"
He compares his experiences in Turkey to Italy, where he also played, saying, "That's what I loved about my time in Italy. Being in a much smaller town. In Turkey, if someone sees you, they will jump on you, hug you, the kids would be in shock always. It was fun, and I'm glad I made that experience, but I was definitely happy to move to Italy."
His shock transition from Besiktas to Fenerbahce, two of the biggest rivals in Turkish football, was a challenging and emotional move for Arslan. He reflects on this period, saying, "It was hard. I still had a contract with Besiktas for three years. I had some fights with the old president and decided to move. I got a call from Fenerbahce and other clubs, but I knew that the president of Fenerbahce was powerful enough to get me out of there. It was a really hard time."
The move was emotionally charged, and Arslan felt the weight of fan anger at a move only a handful of players have made, particularly during the highly anticipated Istanbul derby. He describes that experience, saying, "Four weeks after I moved, we played the derby against Besiktas. That was the hardest game in my career because everybody judged me. The players were fine because they knew what happened, but the fans didn’t know about the details and weren't happy with me, and they judged me."
He vividly recalls the intense atmosphere of that match, saying, "In the warm-up, I had to stay in the middle of the ground; otherwise, I would get things thrown at me. Then it got worse being 3-0 down at half-time, and the fans were singing songs about me." However, football's unpredictable nature soon came into play. Arslan continues, "Luckily, it ended up being 3-3, and then the Fenerbahce fans started singing my name. It's funny how football goes sometimes."
Despite the tumultuous transition, Arslan values the experience of playing for both Turkish giants. He provides insights into the dynamics between the two clubs, saying, "I would say Fenerbahce is the bigger club, maybe the biggest club in Turkey, but the fans and atmosphere at Besiktas are something else."
When asked about his motivations in joining Besiktas' arch-rivals, Fenerbahce, Arslan acknowledges the emotional aspect of getting one back in his decision, saying, "I have to say yes, but the way I did it wasn't the right way. I was full of emotion and still angry about things that happened to me. I got blamed for a few things that weren't my fault, and I reacted strongly." He explains that he was eager to push through the move, even if it meant a late transfer on the final day of the window. Arslan adds, "I ended up going to Fenerbahce on the last day of the window because Besiktas was still trying to keep me, but I wanted to push to get out of there. I would say now I would have gone about it in a different way. I learned from that experience, though, and still count myself lucky to have played at both clubs."
Arslan's journey in European football then continued at Udinese in Serie A, where he embarked on a new chapter in his career. He reflects on this period with a mix of nostalgia, saying, "My dream was always to play in the Champions League. I did that with Besiktas, so after that, I said I wanted to test myself in a top league. I went to Udinese and played around 100 games in three years."
During his time in Udine, Italy, Arslan discovered not only the thrill of Serie A football but also the local culinary delights. He describes the town's unique charm, saying, "I loved being in Udine. It's a really good place. The best prosciutto in the world is from there. The restaurants are full of old people cooking, and it's amazing." However, his appetite for variety led to some struggles, as he recalls, "But it was funny after one week of being there; I said, 'Okay, I need a different meal.' One day they make pasta with tomato sauce, and the next day, the pasta was with pesto. For them, it's a different meal; for me, it's still pasta (he laughs)."
After a great stint testing himself against some of the best players in the world in Italy, Arslan realised a desire to try something new in his next career move. He elaborates on his decision, saying, "Recently though, I said it was time to enjoy life a bit more. To get away from the crazy money and business world of football that dominates Europe and just enjoy playing again."
With offers to stay in Serie A and Germany, Arslan and his family faced a crossroads. He explains his thought process, saying, "I thought about staying for another two years but I said to myself, 'If I want to do the move down here, I want to do it when I'm still fit and able to make a difference on the pitch. I want to still make a big impact, and my body is still in good shape to be able to do so. I'm still at the level where I could have played in Serie A for two or three years easily."
Ultimately, the allure of new experiences and a focus on family led Arslan to make a significant decision. He expresses his motivation, saying, "I had offers to stay another two years in Italy, in Germany I had many offers too. But at one point though, I said to myself, 'I've done nearly everything in football I wanted to do - so the next chapter was wanting to choose a good country for my family next."
It was at this point of the chat that we asked Tolgay to reflect on his career in Europe, and the exceptional talent he had the privilege of playing alongside. When asked about the most talented player he had the honour to share the pitch with, he passionately shares his admiration for some of his ex-teammates: "The most talented was definitely (Ricardo) Quaresma. What he could do with the ball, how he could beat players in 1 v 1’s - no one could do these things. He’s a really funny and good guy too. In Udinese, I also played with Rodrigo De Paul. He was a beast. So was (Nahuel) Molina, the right back. (Destiny) Udogie is another one. He came to us when he was 18, and he is extremely smart. I’m sure he will play for Real Madrid in two or three years. Mamma Mia. He’s unbelievably good. I played with some great forwards too like at Hamburg; there was Paolo Guerrero, Mladen Petrić, and Ruud Van Nistelrooy. Then at Besiktas, we had Mario Gomez and Demba Ba, who were amazing, but Vincent Aboubakar was something else. I played two years with him, and he was a beast. Maybe the best if I have to choose one from my whole career, I would choose Zé Roberto. Back then, he was still playing in the national team with Ronaldinho, Ronaldo, Cafu, Roberto Carlos, and he was incredible.”
Arslan's journey from Italy to Australia represented a quest for balance and fulfilment, on and off the pitch. His willingness to embrace new opportunities and adapt to different cultures makes him a seasoned and worldly footballer, ready to contribute to Melbourne City and continue pursuing success in the sport he loves. The decision to join Melbourne City at 33 years of age, still playing at the top of his game, had us keen to explore how the move came about. He explains, "The decision happened very fast. I have family here in Melbourne. I spoke to one of my uncles, and he said that some teams were asking about me, but he told them no, he will not come here. But then the next morning after I'd spoken to him, I woke up and had breakfast with my wife, and she said I want to go to Australia, and I said you know what, me too. I want to go as well. So I spoke to Melbourne City, and then in 4 or 5 days, the deal was done. In the beginning we were struggling because it was really hard to find a house and of course you start thinking was this the right decision or not? But now that I see my kids and how happy they are I know it was definitely the right one. My wife was really keen from the start, and during my career I was the one who always decided where we would move to. This time it was time for her to decide.”
Melbourne City may have got their man, but there were other clubs in the mix too. “I got some calls from Sydney teams but I wanted to come to Melbourne. It seemed like the best place and it was easier knowing I have family here already. I’ve already found here in Melbourne you can live so well - you have everything here. It’s been great with my wife and three kids already. Everyone’s happy. It also helped that my Aunt is here and has looked after us and made it easier. She’s also a great cook which helps us feel settled with food we know well. My mum was here for two months too - she is the best. When she’s here it’s the best time and when we get together It’s like an old Turkish kitchen. Having family close by has made the transition easier.”
When asked about his continued passion for playing and pursuing titles, Arslan replied, "I still love playing, and I'm enjoying it here even more. In Europe, the competition is incredibly tough, and it has evolved significantly over the years. The business aspect of the game has become increasingly prominent, which made it challenging. I had three amazing seasons at Udinese, playing extensively. However, when it became clear I wouldn't be signing a new deal with them, I sensed some strain in the environment. Throughout my career, I've witnessed many talented players who didn't get the playing time they deserved, often due to business-related things in the background. The reason I chose Melbourne City is because they are always challenging for success. I like their ideas. I like to play a dominant game. For me it’s the biggest team right now here, so it was a good chance to be a part of it and have success while also helping players, learning from players, too. I hope we’re going to have a good season."
Arslan contrasts his European experiences with his new journey, where he finds a refreshing emphasis on the love of the game, stating, "Here, I can see the genuine passion for football from the coaches and young players. It's all about going out and playing, without being burdened by external things like problems, media, and other distractions. It takes me back to how I started in the game when I was younger, and I really appreciate that." This perspective underscores his enduring commitment to the sport and his readiness to embrace the pure joy of playing football again for Melbourne City.
Arslan also reflects on his versatility on the field, saying, "I can play 6, 8, or 10. Anywhere in the midfield. I started off here playing a bit as the 10 and then in the Asian Champions League I was the 6. I have to see how the games are, and I see already that the players will jump in on me, so I have to find some good solutions (he laughs)."
Beyond football, Arslan also has a keen interest in running his real estate company in Germany. He acknowledges the importance of preparing for life after football and the importance of helping younger players understand the value of diversifying their interests after his own experiences. “I have a real estate company in Germany which I started to build up 6 years ago. It was a bit easier when I was there to manage things, but now I have people over there who work for me and I can oversee it from here. Helping the younger players is something I think we need to do more in this regards. When I was younger I had one lady who managed it (my real estate business). After two of three years of letting her run things I decided to look into it more and realised that she had made some big mistakes. At that point I said to myself I would go my own way and work on my business ventures more seriously and from that point my passion for it just grew. It made me realise you need to be across all things in your life. Now we are big and it’s fun for me to get involved in. Outside of this i just love spending time with my kids. When I get home from football I switch off completely. There’s just family time after. Then when the kids go to bed everyone is awake in Germany so I can run through the week with my team back in Germany.”
Arslan concludes by discussing his love for football boots and his recent switch to Mizuno, appreciating the comfort and quality of the brand. “I always used to play in adidas X but in the last years I was looking for a change. In training Aziz (Behich) and Andrew (Nabbout) showed Mizuno to me. When I started to wear them I said ‘wow’ - If I knew about these 10 years ago I would have worn them. In Europe they are a bit more unknown. Having worn them these last few weeks there’s no chance for me to change brands now. I love the leather and how light they are. I’m a big fan of the sock, too.”
Tolgay Arslan's journey from Germany to Turkey and Italy, and now to Melbourne City, is marked by a love for the game, a deep connection with family, and a passion for business. As he embarks on a new chapter in his football career, he brings with him a wealth of experiences and a determination to succeed. We can’t wait to see what he brings to this team starting with round one this weekend.
Photos by Kyle Lewendon
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