Sofyan Amrabat’s Signing Ceremony at Fenerbahçe: “Saying No to Mourinho Was Tough”

Fenerbahçe organized a signing ceremony for Sofyan Amrabat, whom they have brought into their squad on loan with a purchase option from Fiorentina.

Statements from Fenerbahçe Vice President Acun Ilıcalı:

“We spoke with dear Sofyan months ago. Sofyan understood our project and believed in us, and we believed in him. I am proud to say that despite receiving very serious offers, he did not compromise. Even though the pressure on him increased towards the end of the transfer process, he stood firm.

He wanted to come here as soon as possible. Even the hours mattered to him. Fenerbahçe is not just transferring a football player but an important character as well.

Our coach’s number one choice was Sofyan Amrabat. We are happy to have brought in the player our coach desired the most once again.

Sofyan Amrabat received 10 offers. He rejected all of them, stood firm, and only told his club, ‘I want to go to Fenerbahçe.’ Just on the last day, he received four transfer offers—three from England and one from Spain. He stood firm, and Fenerbahçe came out as the winner.

The transfer process was difficult for me. Right now, I am spending a significant part of my time at the club this summer, and as a club owner, I can say that the system does not work like this over there. Since I am not the president here, I had to be more involved in the operation. When the result is good, one feels very happy, and I am experiencing that happiness. We managed to transfer all the players we wanted to bring. That’s the Fenerbahçe difference.

I was on the phone for 8 hours straight. The last time was 2 a.m., and the phone hadn’t stopped ringing. But these were the things I dreamed of. I thank our president for giving me this opportunity.

Our coach did not make a request like ‘Definitely get a left-back’ or ‘Get another player.’

Right now, there is no new departure at Fenerbahçe. The player who will leave the team is not currently in the squad.

Even though his transfer to Fenerbahçe was clear, he went on to play in the most difficult match. In an incredible match, where his former team was down to 9 men, he played. I was very impressed. Sofyan went to Hungary for an away match at the most challenging level where there was a risk of injury.

Statements from Amrabat:

“I FEEL LIKE PART OF THE FAMILY”

I am happy and proud to be here. Fenerbahçe is an incredible club. Playing here is a big responsibility. From the moment we first spoke, I have felt like a part of the family.

“SAYING ‘NO’ TO MOURINHO IS DIFFICULT”

When a coach like Jose Mourinho wants you, it is very hard to say ‘No.’ After the Roma-Fiorentina match, he said, ‘I would like to work with you.’ Alhamdulillah, today I am a Fenerbahçe player. He is a winner. I am also a winning player. Together, we will achieve great things.

FRED IS A SUPER PLAYER

I really liked the quality of the team. I want to thank the club for our strong squad. Our goal should always be to move forward. Fred is a super player. I am very excited to play with him.

STATEMENTS ABOUT GALATASARAY

Fenerbahçe is a very big club. When I choose a club, I prefer to choose from the heart. There was interest from other clubs. I do not want to talk about Galatasaray. I have respect for Galatasaray, just as I do for all the clubs that made offers to me.

EUROPA LEAGUE MATCHUP

I think the Manchester United match will be a very good game. It will be a good test match for us. It will be nice for me to see my old friends.”