Blackburn sign playmaker Basturk
Blackburn sign playmaker Basturk
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By Matt Hallam. |  |
Wednesday, 27, Jan 2010 05:04
By Alex Steger.
Blackburn Rovers have today completed the signing of Turkish international Yildiray Basturk.
The 31-year-old joins Rovers from Stuttgart initially on a six-month deal which will see him stay at the club until the end of this season.
The attacking midfielder, who is said to have great close control and vision, has 49 international caps and was part of the Turkish team that finished third at the 2002 World Cup in Japan and South Korea.
Upon signing for Blackburn, Basturk revealed it was his 2002 World Cup team-mate and former Rovers fans' favourite Tugay who convinced him to move to the Lancashire club.
He told the club's website: "I spoke to Tugay and he said it was a very good club and to come here and try the last few years.
"I played about 50 games in the national team with Tugay and he always told me how good a club Blackburn is and for the last three or four weeks he has often told me I should take this chance."
Of the affection with which his compatriot is regarded by Rovers fans, he said: "I know how the people love him. I will meet him in the next few days and he can help me settle in."
Basturk was born in Germany and began his professional career with German side Wattenscheid 09. He rose to prominence with a move to Bayer Leverkusen in 2001 where he finished as runner-up in the Bundesliga and played in the 2002 Champions League final. He joins Blackburn after spells with Hertha Berlin and most recently Stuttgart.