Matteo Guendouzi Comments on Champions League Success and Lyon Match

Fenerbahçe player Matteo Guendouzi made statements to the club's official website following his team's qualification for the Champions League league stage. The successful footballer shared the pride of this important victory coming after a long hiatus, while clarifying the abusive chants he was subjected to during the Olympique Lyon match and the subsequent celebration controversy.

Champions League Goal and Pride

Matteo Guendouzi stated that securing a spot in the Champions League by eliminating Olympique Lyon is a great badge of pride for the club and the fans. Stating that they have been working towards this goal since the beginning of the season, the footballer emphasized that they reached where they deserved after playing six matches.

Past Rivalry and Pre-Match Events

Guendouzi, who previously wore the Olympique Marseille jersey, conveyed that he was targeted throughout the match due to the fierce rivalry between the two clubs. He expressed that from the warm-up moments onwards, thousands of fans in the stadium directed insulting and abusive chants targeting his family.

International Rules and Reactions

Reminding that in league matches in France, announcements are made in similar situations and the match is stopped if necessary, Guendouzi drew attention to the lack of such practices in UEFA organizations. He stated that it was unacceptable for his family to be cursed at for more than 120 minutes.

Right to Celebrate and Importance of Victory

Defending himself against criticism due to his post-match joy, Guendouzi maintained that he did not lose his respect despite facing insults throughout the entire game. Stating that just as the fans have the right to celebrate, he also had the right to celebrate the victory with his teammates, he noted that the most important outcome was the victory achieved.