"I've wrapped up my soccer days, for now"
Deniz Undav: I was rooting for both sides. Both countries have a strong connection due to the large Turkish population residing in Germany.
Undav: Sure, I'm open to it. First, I need to consistently perform and earn invitations. A lot can still happen between now and the summer's European Championships. My ultimate dream is to participate in the tournament. I won't silence my cell phone until the European Championships (laughs).
Undav: I believe it's fantastic that players with a migratory background are part of the German national team. Turkey also has players who could represent Germany. I'm thrilled to see the boys excel, regardless of their national team.
Undav: I don't communicate much in Turkish, I only understand a little. I've grown up here, so I lean more towards Germany at the moment. Even if my father holds a different perspective (laughs).
Undav: No thank you (laughs). During my training, I worked with laser machines, managing their programs for precise material cutting.
Undav: Definitely. I acknowledge the importance of hard work. I used to wake up at 4 a.m. every day for two years. Today, I'm grateful that I transformed my hobby into a career.
Undav: I shared my decision to abandon soccer with my father and uncle. At that point, I was giving up on soccer myself and preferred work and self-sufficiency instead. But they convinced me not to squander my talents and to prove my worth instead. In the end, I continued for their sake.
Undav: It was quite difficult at the time. I moved to Werder with the intention of becoming a professional, expecting that of myself and my family. Rejection was particularly tough. I was devastated at that moment. If I could make the jump to international soccer now, you could say: 'Deniz, you made the most of it in the end'.
Undav: In Belgium, I scored goals right away and offers began pouring in from Italy after the first half of the season. But when my advisor informed me over the phone that Brighton wanted me, it was immediately clear that I wanted to do it. The Premier League is the best league with the best soccer. I was determined to seize the chance to prove myself there.
Undav: de Zerbi is meticulous and pays attention to every detail. He's a perfectionist, and every move must be flawless. In training, if you made a bad pass, the exercise was halted, and you had to start from scratch. In this way, he fosters an environment that either inspires or intimidates players.
Undav: Sebastian Hoeneß is more relaxed in his approach but also has a clear vision for the game. Both coaches are transparent and provide constructive feedback.
Undav: Serhou and I support each other in success. We recognize that we can only shine as a team. We both have high expectations of ourselves. Serhou's success comes naturally, and he loves soccer, frequently scoring goals as he pleases. He has a sense of humor, and we share many laughs.
Undav: VfB has recently battled relegation, leading to an overall gloomy atmosphere. I aim to contribute positively to the team's atmosphere, which grew warm as I joined.
Undav: No, as I only listen to German hip-hop. Daxo (Dan-Axel Zagadou) frequently plays French songs, to which I have a strong negative reaction. I relay my concerns to him after each game but prefer to keep my music preferences private.
Undav: No, we aim to carry our confidence while maintaining a humble demeanor. When you consider VfB's previous relegation struggles, even a quiet season is a feat to be proud of.
Undav: In England, I scored five goals in the last eight games and ranked fifth in terms of points per goal. I'm unsure if the national team coach has me on his radar (laughs). However, I've received unprecedented recognition in Germany.
Undav: I'm open to any opportunity but remain focused on the present. If I fail to perform well for the next 20 games and only score two goals, VfB might not consider me for future plans. I love the club, the fans, and the city, and I can see myself staying here for a long time.
Undav: I enjoy basketball, going out with my teammates, and having dinner with my wife. I even frequent the hairdresser once a week (laughs). In the colder months, I prefer staying at home and watching series.
Undav: I was unfamiliar with the city before moving, and it seemed like a different language was spoken there, but I enjoyed that too (laughs). And then there are the incredible fans who idolize you when things are going well.
(Deniz Undav mentioned his aspiration to participate in the upcoming European Championships, which is part of the Bundesliga at Bild.) The source is .
Deniz Undav boasts an impressive soccer career, with notable achievements and contributions.
- Professional Beginnings:
- Union St.-Gilloise: Undav began his professional journey with Union St.-Gilloise, where he played 40 matches and scored 27 goals in the Jupiler League during the 2021-2022 season.
- Meppen: He then moved to Meppen in the 3. Liga, where he scored 17 goals in 34 appearances during the 2019-2020 season.
- Premier League Experiences:
- Brighton & Hove Albion: Undav thrived in the Premier League with Brighton & Hove Albion, playing 33 matches and scoring 5 goals between 2022 and 2023.
- Transfer to VfB Stuttgart:
- In 2023, Undav joined VfB Stuttgart on a permanent deal and became a crucial player for the club. In his first season, he scored 18 goals across 26 Bundesliga matches.
- Current Success at Stuttgart:
- Undav's remarkable form at VfB Stuttgart has seen him score 13 goals in 21 Bundesliga matches in the 2024-2025 season, contributing 36 goal involvements (28 goals, 8 assists) overall.
Undav's journey from nearly abandoning soccer to his current success with VfB Stuttgart is a testament to his dedication and natural talent. His aspirations for the European Championships are grounded in his recent performances and commitments to both his club and country.
