Hull City are in Championship play-off contention heading into the final stretch of the campaign and proud owner Acun Ilicali is at the heart of their exciting revival
Meet Hull City owner Acun Ilicali, the captivating Turkish media magnate that has shaken up the Championship.
"If we go to the Premier League it will only be half of my dream," declares Ilicali. "Why can't we be another Leicester? My dream is not completed with promotion, all I want is to see my team play in European competitions." The 54-year-old multi-millionaire is even the presenter of Turkey's equivalent of The Voice, though there is more to his repertoire than being a showman.
"When I spent some time in the city, I saw beautiful people around me and I saw this huge bridge that looks like the Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul. I've always liked places near the seaside in my life because Miami is my favourite place in the world and then when I was in the stadium, this felt like the place I should be."
"I can say that it's God's gift to me that I have good connections with people, it's why I went from zero to hero in Turkey. I had no money and saw the bottom of life and now I've experienced both hard and good circumstances. All the fanbase wants to feel is they're one part of one family. Without fans, football is nothing."
Ilicali's methodical approach to business is reflected in Hull's recent transfer dealings following the eye-catching acquisitions of Fabio Carvalho, Tyler Morton, Liam Delap, Jaden Philogene and Abdulkadir Omur, once the subject of a £20m bid from Manchester City.
Ireland Latest News, Ireland Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Raya the hero as Arsenal see off Porto on penalties to make Champions League quartersGoalkeeper saves two penalties after game was a deadlock in normal time
Read more »
‘Make it happen’: Arteta targets Champions League win against PortoDefeat in Portugal three weeks ago the only aberration in Arsenal’s resurgent form in 2024
Read more »
Arsenal Beat Porto on Penalties to Reach Champions League Quarter-FinalsDAVID RAYA SAVED two penalties as Arsenal beat Porto in a shoot-out to reach their first Champions League quarter-final in 14 years.
Read more »
Barcelona Beat Napoli to Reach Champions League Quarter-FinalsBarcelona survived a nervy second half to beat Napoli 3-1 and reach the Champions League quarter-finals 4-2 on aggregate.
Read more »
Angry Sadio Mane grabs rival around the throat as Al-Nassr exit Champions LeagueFormer Liverpool star Sadio Mane lost his discipline during Al-Nassr's defeat on penalties against UAE side Al-Ain in an AFC Champions League quarter-final second leg
Read more »
Arsenal reach Champions League quarter finals after penalty shootout win over PortoArsenal secured their place in the quarter finals of the Champions League after a nerveless penalty shootout win over Porto. Goalkeeper David Raya's save from Galeno proved to be the decisive moment in the tie.
Read more »