Sincere Remarks from Arda Turan on Corendon Sport Talks
Arda Turan, the latest guest on Corendon Sport Talks, opens up about his coaching ambitions, his emotional documentary, and dreams of the Champions League. Watch the full video now!
Corendon Sport Talks, an initiative reflecting Corendon Airlines’ strong commitment to sports, continues to welcome iconic figures from Turkish sports. The 26th episode of the programme—produced by 343 Digital and moderated by Hürriyet Newspaper Sports Editor Mehmet Arslan—featured Arda Turan, a celebrated footballer who is now confidently advancing in his coaching career.
Corendon Airlines, a pioneer in aviation and tourism that has carried millions of guests to their dream holiday destinations, is celebrating its 20th anniversary. In honour of this milestone, the airline has launched the Corendon Sport Talks video series, once again reaffirming its dedication to sport. This special project, centred on the unifying power of sport, brings the inspiring stories of Turkish sports legends to the screen.
Former captain of the Turkish National Football Team and current head coach of Ukraine’s renowned club Shakhtar Donetsk, Arda Turan shared his transition from player to coach, his documentary project, family life, and future dreams on Corendon Sport Talks.
“Playing was easy, managing is harder”
Opening the programme by comparing playing and coaching, Turan said candidly, “Playing was very easy; I was a good footballer. Managing is harder,” highlighting the challenges of his new role. He added that he drew inspiration from the star players he played alongside and that he has always remained open to learning.
Focusing on bigger dreams
Turan noted that he achieved his goals with Eyüpspor in his early coaching days and is now aiming higher with Shakhtar Donetsk. Expressing his desire to win the Ukrainian League, Champions League, La Liga, and the UEFA Cup, he stated, “I trust my tactics, system, and game knowledge.”
Sincere Remarks from Arda Turan on Corendon Sport Talks
Discussing the recent documentary Arda Turan: Yüzleşme (Confrontation), Turan admitted it was emotionally difficult to make but said he now feels proud when looking back at his journey.
Special thanks to Cedi Osman
Turan shared that he received numerous congratulatory messages after taking over at Shakhtar Donetsk. Among them was NBA player Cedi Osman, who currently plays for Greece’s Panathinaikos. “I love Cedi Osman. He’s a great example for Turkish sports. I’m proud of him,” said Turan.
Praise for his family
Stressing the importance of family in his life, Turan expressed deep admiration for his wife Aslıhan Doğan Turan: “She’s a strong mother who has always supported and encouraged me. I’m proud of her.”
“I never put anything before football”
Turan, who finds hope in the rise of a new generation of Turkish football managers, summarised the key to his own success as his passion for the game: “I never put anything before football. I’m a father of two who loves football and wants to improve it. I have an idea and a dream—and I believe it can change the fate of the game.”
Upcoming Guests: Acun Ilıcalı and Lukas Podolski
Corendon Sport Talks continues at full speed. The next episode will feature Acun Ilıcalı, President of English Championship team Hull City, which is officially sponsored by Corendon Airlines. In the following episode, football fans will meet Lukas Podolski, star player of Poland’s historic club Górnik Zabrze, also sponsored by Corendon Airlines.
A Series That Adds Value to Sport: Corendon Sport Talks
Aiming to offer a fresh perspective on the world of sports, Corendon Sport Talks has hosted the following notable guests in its 2025 episodes:
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Emre Belözoğlu (Head Coach of Onvo Antalyaspor) & Yıldıray Karaer (Chairman, Corendon Tourism Group)
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Hüseyin Yücel (Former Beşiktaş JK President, businessman) & Fırat Aydınus (former FIFA referee and football commentator)
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Dora Badem, Yaren Çalışkan & Selvi Alpaslan from Muratpaşa Municipality Youth Girls Volleyball Team
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Ersin Düzen (journalist, presenter) & Nihat Kahveci (former national footballer) with Fulya Sever Kahveci (presenter)
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Alper Yılmaz (former basketball player, TBF Sports Director) & Harun Erdenay (former player, Vice President of Turkish Basketball Federation)
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João Pereira (Head Coach, Corendon Alanyaspor)
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Ceylan Şensoy (Professional Tour Guide and Tourism Marketing Expert) & Çiçek Solon Şensoy (National Athlete and Coach)
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Efecan Karaca (Captain, Corendon Alanyaspor & Turkish national player)
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Andres Olivera (Race Organiser, Corendon Tahtalı Run to Sky) & Morgan Eliiot (American pro runner, Merrell Skyrunner® World Series)
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Fatih Topçu (triathlete & content creator)
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Yağmur Uraz (Captain, Fenerbahçe Women’s Football Team & Turkish national player)
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Ertem Şener (sports broadcaster and presenter)
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Fuat Akdağ (sports presenter, journalist)
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Selçuk Yöntem (renowned actor and presenter)
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Arda Turan (former national footballer and manager)
About Corendon Airlines
Founded in the Netherlands as a tour operator in 2004, Corendon has since evolved into a full-fledged tourism group, incorporating airlines, incoming services, and hotel properties across Europe, Turkey, and the Caribbean.
Corendon Travel is one of the leading tour operators in the Netherlands and Belgium and also operates in the Danish market. Closely associated with the Turkey destination, Corendon offers a wide range of products and travel experiences to its guests.
Since its inception, Corendon Airlines has left its mark on the aviation sector with innovative practices and industry-firsts. Alongside Corendon Dutch Airlines (est. 2011) and Corendon Airlines Europe (est. 2017), the group operates flights from numerous European countries—including Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium, Austria, Switzerland, Poland, and the UK—to various holiday destinations across Europe and Turkey. As of 2025, it flies to 165 destinations in 65 countries.
Under the Corendon Hotels & Resorts brand, the tourism group also operates 2 hotels in Antalya (Kemer and Lara), 5 in Amsterdam, and 4 on the Caribbean island of Curaçao.
