Fans welcome Turkish men’s national soccer team to Mesa
Around 100 fans lined the streets to welcome the Turkish national soccer team to the Mesa. The team is utilizing the 275-acre Arizona Athletic Grounds facility to train for the World Cup. FOX 10’s Jacob Luthi was there as fans greeted the team.
MESA, Ariz. – The Turkish men's national soccer team arrived in Arizona to begin its World Cup quest.
Local perspective:
Some fans were out for hours waiting for the team to arrive, waving flags, playing music and cheering. They said they wanted to bring a little bit of home to the players in Arizona.
“They’re obviously going to win,” said fan Inzi Calik.
Around 100 fans across the Valley braved the heat to welcome the Turkish men's national soccer team to the desert.
Between games, the team will rest and train in Mesa at the Arizona Athletic Grounds. The 275-acre complex is one of the largest sports facilities in North America, with more than two million visitors every year. Between players, coaches and family members, about 60 people will be moving between hotels and the training facilities during the team's stay.
What they’re saying:
“You have to hydrate. It’s going to be hotter than Turkey because the weather is good there, but it’s very hot here,” said fans Hakan Dalkilic and Mirsat Nalbantoglu.
Many fans, some of whom were born in Turkey, said they wanted to bring a little bit of home closer to the players as they prepare to compete on the world's biggest stage.
What’s next:
The Source: FOX 10’s Jacob Luthi who spoke with fans as they greeted the team on June 7.
