New Adelaide United signing Ersan Gülüm discussed some of his reasons behind returning to Australia and outlined the objectives he wants to achieve with the Club.
The ex-Beşiktaş defender will spend the Hyundai A-League 2017/18 season with the Reds, on-loan from parent club Hebei Chinese Fortune.
Gülüm is an Australian-born Turkish centre-back, and comes to the Club boasting an impressive pedigree, having played in the Turkish Süper Lig with the Black Eagles.
He has also received seven caps with the Turkey National Team.
Speaking on his decision to return to Australia and ply his trade with Adelaide, Gülüm said the time felt right.
“There’s a lot of reasons, but mostly because I had a successful career in Europe where I achieved all my goals that I set myself from day one,” he said.
“And it was time, obviously being recently married and my wife being originally from Australia it made my decision to come back a lot easier.
“It was a good decision, I’m happy with it and happy to be in Adelaide as well.”
Gülüm said he was encouraged by the direction the Club was heading and discussed some of the goals he wants to accomplish.
“The first goal is to be successful in Adelaide.”
“Adelaide is a big club and obviously it’s got history.
“I’m here to help the Club again to be successful, when I spoke with Ante (Kovacevic) he spoke to me about the Club’s ambitions.
“Yes it’s going through a rebuild at the moment, but it’s going through a good rebuild, the transfers that the Club have made so far are really good.”
Gülüm stated he hopes to impart some of his experience and knowledge on the team, particularly with the younger players.
The 30-year-old amassed 126 appearances in all competitions with Turkish giants, Beşiktaş, over a six-year period and won one league title.
He also featured in UEFA Champions League qualifiers against Arsenal as well as accumulate 15 appearances in the Europa League versus the likes of Liverpool, Tottenham and FC Porto.
“I could just bring experience and the younger players that are interested in heading overseas or have enquiries can ask me,” he said.
“I might not always be able to help them… But it’s every footballer’s dream (to play in Europe).
“From what I’ve learned over the years playing in Europe, as a defender, I can help out the defending players in the team.”
Gülüm said he will leave it up to the fans to judge the type of defender he is, but stressed he always plays with desire and was looking forward to enjoying a successful campaign with the Reds.
“I play with passion I always have,” he said.
“All I can tell them is that when I’m on the field, they’ll know I’m playing for them and the Club.
“The fans this year should get excited about the Club itself, because the Club is heading in the right direction.
“Last year wasn’t the best year for the Club, but this year it’s going to be really good with new coaches, new transfers, and we’re going to be successful.”
Adelaide United host Newcastle Jets in the Round of 32 of the 2017 Westfield FFA Cup on Wednesday, 9 August at Marden Sports Complex. Kick-off is at 7.00pm ACST.
