Özgür Çek
Encyclopedia
Özgür Çek is a Turkish
professional footballer. He currently plays as a left winger for MKE Ankaragücü in the Süper Lig, having previously played for Ankaraspor.
. In 2002, he moved to local club Maltepespor due to its proximity from his residence. He was transferred to Pendikspor
in 2004, with club scouts having been impressed with his talent. Çek was persuaded by the clubs training facilities and former players who had gone through the youth system at Pendikspor. His dream was to eventually move to one of Istanbul's big three clubs: Beşiktaş
, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray
. Çek later received offers from all three clubs in 2006, choosing Fenerbahçe in the end. In an interview, Çek remarked that he knew it was very hard for youth players to breakthrough into the first team at Fenerbahçe, but stated that his biggest dream was to play for the club.
Fenerbahçe signed him to his first professional contract on 1 July 2006. However, he did not make any league appearances for the club, and was later sent to Ankaraspor as part of the deal that brought Özer Hurmacı
to Fenerbahçe. His professional debut came against Gaziantepspor
on 23 August 2009. Çek's career with the club didn't last long, as they were expelled from the league because of "its relationship with Ankaragücü, ruling that it was contrary to sporting competitiveness" (see 2009–10 in Turkish football
).
As a result, Çek was loaned out to MKE Ankaragücü for the rest of the season. His deal was made permanent at the end of the year, Ankaraspor having ceased operations, signing a five-year deal with Ankaragücü. Çek has been a regular fixture in the side for the 2010–11 season, starting the first seven matches while scoring two goals.
Turkey
Turkey , known officially as the Republic of Turkey , is a Eurasian country located in Western Asia and in East Thrace in Southeastern Europe...
professional footballer. He currently plays as a left winger for MKE Ankaragücü in the Süper Lig, having previously played for Ankaraspor.
Early life and club career
Çek began his footballing at a Fenerbahçe school in IstanbulIstanbul
Istanbul , historically known as Byzantium and Constantinople , is the largest city of Turkey. Istanbul metropolitan province had 13.26 million people living in it as of December, 2010, which is 18% of Turkey's population and the 3rd largest metropolitan area in Europe after London and...
. In 2002, he moved to local club Maltepespor due to its proximity from his residence. He was transferred to Pendikspor
Pendikspor
Pendik SK is a Turkish sports club based in Istanbul, Turkey. The club is widely famous for their amazing victory over Fenerbahçe, in the 3rd round of Fortis Turkey Cup in 2000. This match finished 2-1 but Pendik SK were relegated from the Second League in the same year.-Reference:*...
in 2004, with club scouts having been impressed with his talent. Çek was persuaded by the clubs training facilities and former players who had gone through the youth system at Pendikspor. His dream was to eventually move to one of Istanbul's big three clubs: Beşiktaş
Besiktas J.K.
Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü , or simply Beşiktaş , is a Turkish sports club. The club's football team is one of the major teams in Turkey. The professional sports club, founded in 1903, is based in the Beşiktaş district in Istanbul, Turkey...
, Fenerbahçe and Galatasaray
Galatasaray S.K. (football team)
Galatasaray Anonim Şirketi is a Turkish football club, part of the Galatasaray S.K. multi-sport club of Istanbul. Galatasaray is a major sports club in Turkey, holding 17 Turkish Super League titles and the highest number of Turkish Cups....
. Çek later received offers from all three clubs in 2006, choosing Fenerbahçe in the end. In an interview, Çek remarked that he knew it was very hard for youth players to breakthrough into the first team at Fenerbahçe, but stated that his biggest dream was to play for the club.
Fenerbahçe signed him to his first professional contract on 1 July 2006. However, he did not make any league appearances for the club, and was later sent to Ankaraspor as part of the deal that brought Özer Hurmacı
Özer Hurmaci
Özer Hurmacı is a Turkish football player on the Fenerbahçe squad. He was a regular on the Turkey national under-21 football team.-Ankaraspor:...
to Fenerbahçe. His professional debut came against Gaziantepspor
Gaziantepspor
Gaziantepspor is a professional Turkish football club located in the city of Gaziantep. Formed in 1969, Gaziantepspor are nicknamed the Şahinler . The club colours are black and red, and they play their home matches at Kamil Ocak Stadyumu....
on 23 August 2009. Çek's career with the club didn't last long, as they were expelled from the league because of "its relationship with Ankaragücü, ruling that it was contrary to sporting competitiveness" (see 2009–10 in Turkish football
2009–10 in Turkish football
The 2009–10 season was the 105th season of competitive football in Turkey.-Overview:Bursaspor became league champions for the first time in club history, as well as the second club outside of Istanbul to win the Süper Lig. Fenerbahçe were runners-up, while Galatasaray finished third....
).
As a result, Çek was loaned out to MKE Ankaragücü for the rest of the season. His deal was made permanent at the end of the year, Ankaraspor having ceased operations, signing a five-year deal with Ankaragücü. Çek has been a regular fixture in the side for the 2010–11 season, starting the first seven matches while scoring two goals.