Avrupa Times/England Times/London-Former England striker Les Ferdinand has spoken fondly about his time at Beşiktaş, saying his spell in Istanbul played a major role in shaping both his football career and his life.
Speaking exclusively to Avrupa Ajansı and Avrupa Gazetesi editor Vatan Oz during the Turkish Airlines World Golf Cup at The Grove Hotel near Watford, Ferdinand reflected on his unforgettable season in Turkey and his enduring affection for the Turkish club.
Ferdinand joined Beşiktaş from Queens Park Rangers for the 1988-89 season, becoming one of the first English players to make the move to Turkish football. He went on to score 14 goals in 24 appearances and helped the Istanbul club win the Turkish Cup.
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“Beşiktaş made me who I am”
Ferdinand was just 21 when he left London for Istanbul, a move he says had a profound impact on his career.
“I was 21 years old. I came to Istanbul on my own from London. Gordon Milne wanted me at Beşiktaş when I was at QPR. It was the first time I had ever left home,” Ferdinand said.
“That season made me both a footballer and a man. Without Beşiktaş, I don't think I would have gone on to score 149 goals in the Premier League.”
Arda Sayıner, brand consultant for Hafız Mustafa 1864, with famous English footballer Les Ferdinand at the Turkish Airlines Golf Tournament.
“There were 35,000 people at my first training session”
Ferdinand also recalled the extraordinary atmosphere surrounding Beşiktaş, particularly his first training session at the club's former home, İnönü Stadium.
“As I got closer to the stadium, I could hear this incredible noise. I went inside and there were 35,000 people watching the first training session,” he recalled.
“I had seen the ‘Welcome to Hell’ signs, but the love I received was something else. One side of the supporters would shout ‘Black’ and the other would answer ‘White’. The noise was incredible.”
Ahmet Halit Demir, the director of Hafız Mustafa 1864, offered some of the treats to famous English footballer Les Ferdinand.
“I miss Ortaköy and Dolmabahçe”
Ferdinand said his affection for Istanbul extends beyond football, recalling the warmth of the Turkish people and some of his favourite places in the city.
“The Turkish people made me feel at home. I miss walking around Ortaköy and looking out over the Bosphorus from Dolmabahçe. Beşiktaş supporters are among the most passionate fans in the world.”
Ferdinand has previously spoken about the importance of his time in Istanbul. In an interview with Tottenham Hotspur's official website, he described his season at Beşiktaş as a crucial period in his development as a footballer and as a person.
“The greatest is Beşiktaş”
During the conversation, Ferdinand made his feelings for the club clear, proudly saying in Turkish:
“En Büyük Beşiktaş!” — “Beşiktaş is the greatest!”
Ferdinand went on to enjoy a distinguished career in English football, representing clubs including Queens Park Rangers, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur.
The former striker also enjoyed some Turkish hospitality during the golf tournament, sampling baklava and Turkish delight at the Hafız Mustafa stand.
The meeting provided an opportunity for Ferdinand to look back on a brief but highly influential chapter of his career — one that clearly remains close to his heart.
Ahmet Halit Demir, the director of Hafız Mustafa 1864, took a selfie with famous English footballer Les Ferdinand.