Patrick Kluivert: 'Never underestimate Turkey'

Patrick Kluivert, one of the unforgettable stars of Dutch football, made special statements to TRT SPOR Italy Correspondent Dündar Keşaplı. The legendary striker, who left his mark on European football with Ajax, Milan and Barcelona jerseys throughout his career, evaluated Turkey's National Football Team's participation in the 2026 FIFA World Cup (FIFA 2026), Vincenzo Montella's success and his expectations for the giant tournament.

Praise for Montella: "He has done a very important job"

Kluivert said that Turkey deserved their World Cup ticket and that the work of technical director Vincenzo Montella deserves great appreciation.

The Dutch football man said, "Turkey's national team should be congratulated. They fully deserved to qualify for the World Cup. Vincenzo Montella has also done a very important job. I wish him success in the future as he has in the past."

Turkey's stars key to national team

Expressing that he knows Turkish football closely, Kluivert emphasized that the quality of players in Turkey is a great advantage for the national team.

Patrick Kluivert said, "Yes, there are players who play for big clubs abroad. Arda, Kenan, Hakan ... Of course, there are also players who play for Galatasaray. Such players are very important for the Turkish national team. These players bring experience to the team. Arda plays for Real Madrid even though he is very young. He gains very important experience from the players he plays with there. It is very important for him to show what he learned at Real Madrid in the national team. These players can be key players for the national team, Kluivert said, adding that these players are the most important parts of the national team. I send my best wishes to the Turkish national team and I think the atmosphere in Turkey will be great. These players bring experience to the team."

Noting that Arda Güler played for Real Madrid despite being very young, the Dutch legend said, "He gains very important experience from the players he plays with there. It is of great importance for him to show what he learned at Real Madrid in the national team. These players can be key names for the national team. These players are the most important parts of the national team. I send my best wishes to the Turkish National Team and I think the atmosphere in Turkey will be great."

Adana experience and proximity to Turkey

Kluivert said that he could not forget his time at Adana Demirspor and that he always appreciated the football culture and atmosphere in Turkey.

"Especially the matches we played at Galatasaray, Beşiktaş and Fenerbahçe stadiums and the atmosphere was magnificent. It is impossible to forget those moments. The support of the fans and their commitment to their team is really nice."

World Cup favorites and Turkey warning

To the question "Who is your favorite in the World Cup?" the legendary name gave the following answer:

"My favorite? Of course my own country. Holland is always among the favorites. France is also a very strong team. Brazil should not be forgotten either. There are some very big countries like Argentina, Germany and Spain who are always ambitious in the World Cup. These teams are preparing to be very successful in the tournament. But don't underestimate Turkey. Definitely don't underestimate Turkey. Many people say that Turkey can be the surprise team of the tournament. They can really make a big surprise. That's why you have to pay attention to Turkey."

Serie A review: Inter, Milan, Como and Juventus

Kluivert also commented on the season in Italy's Serie A and especially drew attention to Como's performance. Patrick Kluivert stated the following about Serie A:

"Inter is a great club. Of course, it is sad that AC Milan, my team, did not perform well this season. I think the biggest surprise of the season was Cesc Fabregas. What he did with Como was really impressive. He had a great success. I think Cesc's quality as a coach is exceptional, he did a great job in Como. Juventus have always been a great club but this season they were not at the expected level. On the other hand, Inter's early title defense was remarkable. Gasperini has also done a great job in his first year."

Curaçao's World Cup story

Kluivert also said that he was very happy that the Curaçao National Team, where he served for a while, participated in the World Cup.

Kluivert, who noted that he personally started to establish and develop the Curaçao National Team, said, "I know this process very well. My mother comes from the island. I was the technical director of the Curaçao National Team and the team got better and better every day and continued its development. Of course, the increase in the number of countries participating in the World Cup has also increased Curaçao's chances. The team has done a very good job under coach Dick Advocaat. We have a very good relationship with him. He has achieved successful results in the group stage and in the qualifying process. Curaçao is one of the smallest countries to qualify for the World Cup. I am very happy for this success, after all it is my island and I know most of the players very well."

"The group is very difficult but they will fight"

Stating that Curaçao will face tough opponents in the 2026 World Cup, Kluivert expressed his confidence in the team's fighting power.