Souness ‘Thrilled’

By Nick Raynor
July 20 2005

Newcastle United manager Graeme Souness has revealed he is ‘thrilled’ to have Emre at the club.

Emre was Souness’ second signing of the summer, and he is happy to have captured the 24-year-old at a low price too.

 

Souness said:

 

"There were other teams interested in Emre and we have all worked very hard to achieve this signing. He was a player very much in demand in his own country - Fenerbahce were desperate to sign him and even the Turkish prime minister got involved in trying to get him to stay in Turkey.

"AC Milan were also interested in taking him so we are thrilled to have him here today.

"He's left-footed, he will help balance the team, he has got the aggression we have maybe been missing in midfield and with Scott Parker will improve that no end.

"I know Turkish football quite well, I worked with some fabulous players. I brought Tugay to England and he was a fantastic performer for me and if he comes near to that mark I will be delighted.

"There's a feeling in Turkey that Emre's the best thing to come out of the country, and if he is then we are very fortunate to have him.

"Given his age he want to use his high energy going forward and he has been told he must score a few goals this year.''