|
|
Article: Turkish Cypriot footballers denied European dreams
- Article from:
- AP Worldstream
- Article date:
- October 17, 2008
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2008 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. (Hide copyright information)
|
Ahmet Esenyel feels cheated.
In a venerable 15-year football career, he's accomplished all that any Turkish Cypriot player could ever possibly aspire to. He rose through the ranks to captain his community's storied club, Cetinkaya, and won a bundle of titles, including five championships.
However, he could never achieve the thing that mattered most.
"To play in Europe. That was my dream," the 36-year-old arts promoter said, less bitter than remorseful.
It wasn't for lack of talent. Playing in the island's breakaway north was enough to shatter the hope Eseneyel had shared with thousands of other registered players _ from lowly village teams to 1st Division ...