Emirhan Ilkhan delivered a starring performance as Torino held Inter Milan to a 2-2 draw at the Olimpico Grande Torino, and the Turkey midfielder used his post-match moment in the spotlight to pay warm tribute to Inter star Hakan Calhanoglu.
Ilkhan earned the Panini Player of the Match award after a display that included the assist for Giovanni Simeone’s goal.
Speaking to Sky Sport after collecting his award, the Torino midfielder was asked how it felt to win the prize in front of his Turkish international teammate, who watched from the substitutes’ bench after not starting.
“In Turkey he is an idol for us and our captain,” Ilkhan said, with quotes via FCInterNews.
“We hope he keeps playing. I am happy to be able to play alongside someone like him.”
Torino 2-2 Inter – Ilkhan & Calhanoglu Could Star Together At World Cup
Indeed, the warmth between the two Turkey internationals was clear, a shared national bond that transcends club rivalries.
Furthermore, Calhanoglu‘s World Cup participation in the summer gives the moment added significance.
Both men could wear the same shirt in the United States, Canada and Mexico, a prospect that clearly excites Ilkhan.
However, tonight belonged to him.
His assist helped deny Inter the win that would have brought the Scudetto even closer, a performance that will not go unnoticed at club or international level.
