Brazilian Mehmet on Turkish National Team

If the Fenerbahçe star plays for the Turkish National A Team against Luxembourg on 16th August, he will be the first footballer of non-Turkish origin to play for the top national squad in its 83-year history.

Mehmet Aurelio stated in a statement on the Fenerbahçe FC website, "This is one of the most important days of my life. People should have no doubt in their minds that I shall fulfil my duties without any exceptions. I know this is a first for Turkey. I am aware of my responsibility, but do not forget that I am a Turkish citizen now, not a foreign national."

Following in Aurelio's footsteps, Marcio Nobre, who was recently transferred to Beşiktaş, has also applied for Turkish citizenship. Nobre will be changing his name to Mert.