Kokçu reveals the pain of the “lonely years” at Benfica.

Orkun Kokçu, the talented midfielder who recently left Benfica to join Besiktas, shared in a revealing interview with TRT Spor the reasons that led him to make this difficult decision. After two seasons in Portugal, the Turkish player opened up about the challenges he faced, including a memorable disagreement with coach Bruno Lage, and how that influenced his experience at the club.

“In the summer, I had an argument with the coach at the Club World Cup. In fact, I had good moments at Benfica, but I faced difficulties in my personal life. I couldn’t find my rhythm,” Kokçu confessed, revealing a more vulnerable side of his journey. Despite enjoying happy moments in Portugal, the athlete admitted that loneliness weighed heavily on his life off the pitch. “I wanted to be transferred and always talked to my dad about it. The most important thing for me is to be happy. I lived two years in Portugal. In the Netherlands, I was comfortable, with my family and my circle of friends. Life flowed. In Portugal, I faced the reality of life and it was a bit difficult,” he added.

The player highlighted the difference between his life in the Netherlands and his experience in Portugal. “In the Netherlands, life was easy. My family and friends were there. In Portugal, I was alone. My family came to see my games every week, but I spent two years at home. I’m not someone who easily integrates outside of football. It was two lonely years,” he revealed, emphasizing the struggle to adapt in a different country and the lack of family support.

When the opportunity to join Besiktas arose, Kokçu did not hesitate. “I couldn’t refuse. As a child, I dreamed of playing for Besiktas. I’m not the type who only thinks about building a career, because in the end, everything is forgotten. I wanted to come to a place where I could be happy. And I am genuinely happy at Besiktas,” he stated enthusiastically. The player also addressed rumors about his dissatisfaction, denying those claims and emphasizing the need to improve results and his performances. “I need the results and my performances to get better. When that happens, I will be even happier,” he assured.

Kokçu also revealed that other clubs were interested in signing him during the summer, including offers from Europe and Saudi Arabia. However, his choice was clear. “I asked my father not to tell me everything. I felt that the place where I would be happy was Turkey and Besiktas. I wasn’t wrong; I am happy. Of course, it would be even better if things were going better in terms of football. But I believe we will succeed; we are working very well,” he concluded, making it clear that his priority is happiness and sporting success in this new phase of his career.

With this transfer, Kokçu seems to have finally found the place where he can shine, far from the lonely years that marked his time at Benfica. The new adventure at Besiktas promises to be not only a resurgence in his career but also an opportunity for a new beginning, filled with hopes and realized dreams.