sport news MATT BARLOW: Nathan Redmond has been the bull on a charge in Turkey trends now
When Nathan Redmond moved to Istanbul in search of adventure and a fresh perspective on his football, he could not have dared to imagine the extremes of emotion coming his way.
Among them, the carnage of a match-day terror attack in the streets near the Besiktas stadium and the horror of Turkey’s deadliest earthquake in almost 1,500 years. And the uplifting spirit of a proud nation uniting in response to the human tragedy.
‘You really did see the strength of the culture of the Turkish people,’ Redmond tells Mail Sport. ‘You saw them come together and do everything necessary to help one another.’
There have been moments, too, when the tribal elements of Istanbul football were clearer, especially after a spectacular solo goal inspired 10-man Besiktas to a 4-2 win at Fenerbahce in April.
‘That changed things slightly,’ understates Redmond. ‘The hospitality was amazing from day one, but it went up a bit after that. A lot of players in the team had never won at Fenerbahce.
Nathan Redmond (right) has revealed the difficulties he's faced off the pitch at Besiktas
The ex-Southampton winger also detailed the differences around football culture in Turkey
‘Out in Istanbul’s cafes and restaurants, people would wait politely until we had finished eating to shake my hand and say, “thank you for the win” or, “thank you for playing for us”. It made me realise what football means to people in this country.’
By the next match against Giresunspor, fans had a new banner in his honour. It came complete with an image of a bull and hailed Redmond as the slayer of the Kadikoy bull, a reference to a famous bronze sculpture in the district where Fenerbahce play, a symbol of the Asian side of the city.
Redmond scored again, his third goal in as many games, and this sparkling form continued as Besiktas charged up the Super Lig under Senol Gunes and into the top three.
‘There’s no hiding place when you play for Besiktas, Fenerbahce or Galatasaray,’ he says. ‘You’re in the spotlight constantly but if you perform well they want to show you love and appreciation.’
Displays of affection include welcome committees when they step off flights to away games. ‘We’ll come out to thousands of fans, singing and giving flowers to the manager and the players.’
Before home games, crowds gather near the training centre, bringing traffic to a standstill on a busy highway as they voice support for the players who stay in the club’s residential quarters on the eve of a game.
‘We’ll be getting ready in our rooms or having team meetings and we can hear them outside,’ says Redmond. ‘Thousands with flares, singing for about an hour. The build-up is insane.
‘You get to the stadium and go for a look at the pitch and it’s half full. You go to take a corner and lighter or a coin might fly past your ear. Or hit you on the back or in the head. All these things I knew existed but to be there and experience it is really something.’
Redmond scored five goals and recorded five assists from his 25 Super Lig appearances
Since his arrival, Redmond has been impressed by the passion shown by Besiktas supporters
Redmond and his team-mates were at the training ground before a home game when Kurdish rebels detonated
