PRESS ROOM | Kilicsoy after Cagliari-Pisa

After the 2-2 draw against Pisa, Semih Kilicsoy spoke at Unipol Domus. The Turk, the first of his nationality to score for Cagliari, commented on his special day, which included his first goal in Italy.

MAGICAL DAY, BUT WHAT A SHAME
“I’m very happy, truly very happy. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time, since the first day I arrived here. For a striker, scoring a goal is like breathing again, so today it’s like I’ve started breathing again. It’s a shame I didn’t win, it’s a real shame. My dedication? To myself, because I was working so hard, with sacrifice, so today I’m starting to reap something, but also to the fans, whom I truly thank for the way they welcomed me and supported me.”

GREAT ALCHEMY
We’re a united team, a strong group, a truly family with many friends. I experienced this on the pitch today too; the standing ovation there really moved me. Thank you all. The coach works hard with me, he’s asking us specific things, I work hard with the group, and everyone’s goal is to win as many games as possible and stay up. The goal? A nice goal for sure, I kicked well. But this has to be it; I want it to be just the beginning. In the meantime, I’m working, starting to integrate better and better, aiming to do more and more for our people, for Cagliari. I sincerely thank everyone for the applause today. Italian football is certainly very different from Turkish football, I’m working to catch up, integrate, and grow together with the team. When I found out I’d be playing from the start, I was calm, happy, ready for this opportunity. I didn’t have any particular shocks, I’m feeling great here, I feel really close to everyone, in the city and off the pitch, as well as within the group. They treat me like a little brother.”

SETTLEMENT
“Are there any differences between me and defenders in Serie A and the Turkish league? Italian football is known for its tactical difficulties, pace, and duels. I find less space and will undoubtedly have to adapt over time, but I think I’m improving day by day. The language? I’m studying, it’s not easy, but I’m slowly learning a few words, even though I’m mostly communicating in English at the moment. A Christmas gift to the fans with a goal? I’m happy, it’s a shame I didn’t win, but I sincerely thank all the fans, the Sardinians for their kind words and applause. I wish them a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays.