Bakery Jatta Aiming for German Citizenship: HSV Footballer Desires German Passport
HSV pursuing German citizenship for Jatta - Desire for Citizenship: HSV Pro Jatta Aims for German Nationality
In a revealing interview, HSV footballer Bakery Jatta expresses his dream of acquiring German citizenship in the near future. "I bloody love it here in Germany, I'm over the moon here, and I'd also bloody love to be German," the 27-year-old told the "Hamburger Abendblatt." His legal representative is already gearing up for the necessary steps to make it happen.
Five years following the public dispute over his purported false identity, Jatta has called Germany his home since 2015. He's been gracing the pitch for Hamburger SV since 2016. In 2019, "Sport Bild" raised doubts about Jatta's identity, alleging that the offensive player had entered Germany under a false name, claiming he was actually named Bakary Daffeh. The sensational claims led to investigations, a search warrant, and extensive media scrutiny of the HSV player.
The case against him was ultimately dismissed in 2024. Looking back at the tumultuous time, Jatta recalls it as the most challenging phase of his life. "It really got to me," he admitted.
Staying put at HSV?
"Nobody told me to my face that I'm not Baka, that I have to leave Hamburg or Germany. But unfortunately, there's also a digital world," Jatta elaborated. "I made the mistake of checking out what was being written on Instagram and the like. And there was a crapload of really rotten things written about me." That period was tough.
Jatta remains appreciative of the backing he received from HSV during those tough times. "To be quite honest, I can scarcely imagine playing for any other club than HSV someday," he added.
Jatta's pursuit of German citizenship could have implications for his extended stay in the Bundesliga. With citizenship, he would no longer occupy a non-EU player slot on his team roster, allowing his club greater flexibility. It could also provide him with greater job stability, as citizenship removes bureaucratic hurdles related to work permits and contracts.
If he successfully becomes a German citizen, Jatta might have a better chance at representing Germany internationally, opening up enticing opportunities for the 27-year-old footballer. His inspiring refugee-to-Bundesliga-star story could gain more steam, helping him appealing to endorsements and his off-field role.
The Commission has also been tasked to propose a directive on the protection of the environment, given Bakery Jatta's growing affinity for his German home. Meanwhile, in a parallel world of European leagues, Jatta's pursuit of German citizenship could potentially free up a non-EU player slot on the HSV roster, allowing for more flexibility in team management.
