A Life of Adventure: Tolgay Arslan’s Journey to the Top
Tolgay Arslan’s football career has been a thrilling adventure, filled with diverse experiences that have taken him across the globe. Born to Turkish parents in Germany, Arslan’s heritage has undoubtedly played a significant role in shaping his journey.
From Hamburg to Hiroshima
Arslan’s early days as a young footballer saw him learn his craft in nearby Borussia Dortmund. However, his professional career began 300 kilometers north of his hometown with Hamburg. His first move outside Germany took him to Turkey, where he played for two giants in Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe. He then had a taste of the Mediterranean in Italy with Udinese.
A Leap of Faith to Australia
When Arslan finally ventured outside the continent, it was a significant trek that led him halfway around the world to Australia. Having relatives in the city made joining Melbourne City an easy decision. In search of his latest escapade, Arslan has now landed in a city that “feels alive,” in a country whose emphasis on tradition and old-school principles mirrors the values his father instilled in him from a young age.
Leading the Charge in Japan
With his latest move, Arslan has found himself leading an unlikely title challenge with Sanfrecce Hiroshima in Japan’s J1 League. The midseason arrivals of Arslan and Gonçalo Paciência have ignited a surprising title challenge from Sanfrecce Hiroshima, who were once 12 points off the pace down in fifth. Arslan’s 11-goal haul since joining has been instrumental in their rise to the top.
A Familiar Face in Japan
Arslan’s decision to move to Hiroshima was made easier by a familiar face – Sanfrecce coach Michael Skibbe, whom he had known since he was a young kid. “I had a good feeling, so I decided to just do it,” Arslan said in an exclusive interview with ESPN.
Chasing the Title
With five games left in the season, Sanfrecce are now in pole position to win their first J1 League crown in nine years. Arslan’s mentality and confidence have rubbed off on his teammates, and he believes they can go all the way. “I want to win. I could help impact the mindset that we go into every game to win. No draws or losses.”
A Bond That Endures
Arslan shares a special friendship with Son Heung-Min, whom he came through the youth ranks of Hamburg with. The duo recently reunited in Melbourne, and Arslan praised Son’s hard work and dedication, saying, “He’s not just performing one year. He’s done it for ten years at a very, very high level.”
Regrets and Reflections
Arslan concedes that there are things he might have done differently in his career. He says the way his time with Melbourne City concluded was not what he had envisioned. However, he remains grateful for the opportunities he has had and the talent that has allowed him to provide for his family.
The Next Chapter
As Arslan approaches the twilight of his career, he remains focused on the present. He wants to leave a lasting legacy in Hiroshima and is determined to give the people something to remember him by. With five games left, Arslan might just give them the biggest present of all – a third league title in his storied career.
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