Emre Aşık

Emre Aşık (born 13 December 1973) is a Turkish former international footballer. He played centre-back for several clubs in the Turkish Süper Lig, most notably, Galatasaray. Aşık began his career with Sönmez Filamentspor in the TFF Third League, and also played for Balıkesirspor, Fenerbahçe, İstanbulspor and Beşiktaş; he is one of thirteen footballers who has played for both Galatasaray and Beşiktaş.

Throughout his career, Aşık was known as a tough and controversial defender who received many cautions and expulsions, totaling 108 yellow cards and 13 red cards in league play. On the international level, Aşık was a member of the Turkey national team that finished third at the 2002 FIFA World Cup and semi-finalists at UEFA Euro 2008.

Club career

Early years (1990–1993) Aşık made his league debut with Sönmez Filamentspor on 27 May 1990 against Edremit Belediyespor. He started the match and was substituted out in the 86th minute. He did not make any more appearances that season, but became a fixture in the side the following season, making 27 appearances in the TFF Third League. Balıkesirspor transferred Aşık at the start of the 1992–93 season. He made his debut for the club on 30 August 1992 against Bucaspor, and scored his first professional goal ten days later against Muğlaspor. He went on to make 27 appearances in the TFF Second League. He went on to make 23 league appearances for the club as they finished one point behind champions Galatasaray. after putting in a performance to help Beşiktaş defeat Chelsea two to nil on 1 October 2003. He contributed one goal in 23 league appearances for the Black Eagles as they finished third. Aşık started the match, marking his 36th cap. He was substituted out of the match in the ninth minute with Buruk.

2002 FIFA World Cup Aşık was picked for the squad after winning the Süper Lig with Galatasaray. He did not see any action in the opening match against Brazil, but started their second match against Costa Rica. Against China PR, Aşık found himself in the starting eleven once more. He picked up his second yellow card in as many matches, suspending him from participation in Turkey's first knockout round match against Japan. He did not see any action during the rest of the campaign as Turkey finished third, the highest finish in team history.

UEFA Euro 2008 Having spent a season on loan at Ankaraspor, Aşık was chosen as a reserve defender behind starters Servet Çetin and Gökhan Zan. However, following an injury to Zan, Aşık was slotted into the first eleven for the team's group stage match against Switzerland. After playing the entirety of the match in a two to one goal victory for Turkey, Aşık was benched in favor of Emre Güngör. Güngör also suffered an injury, and Aşık was given the starting job again. Aşık received a yellow card against Croatia, his second of the tournament, ruling him out of the semi-final tie against Germany. Turkey went on to lose 3–2, but still achieved their most successful campaign in the European Championships; a semi-final finish.

Career statistics

Club

International

Scores and results list Turkey's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Aşık goal. No. !! Date !! Venue !! Opponent !! Score !! Result !! Competition

UEFA European Championship semi-finals: 2008

Order Turkish State Medal of Distinguished Service