The Euro-Mediterranean Excellence Awards, organized by the Mediterranean Journalists Association and the E-Novation Foundation and supported by the Italian Sports Writers Association (USSI), found their owners at a ceremony held in Rome Municipality.
At the ceremony, which brought together famous names from the business, arts and sports communities in Mediterranean countries, the efforts of those who made an international difference with their work in the region and contributed to peace, friendship and culture were rewarded.
In this context, TFF President Mehmet Büyükekşi for ensuring that the 2032 European Football Championship (EURO 2032) is organized in Turkey-Italy partnership, and Italian coach Vincenzo Montella for ensuring that the National Football Team participates in EURO 2024 in the short time he has been in office, ” He was awarded the “Excellence” award.
Montella was presented with his award by USSI President Gianfranco Coppola and Mediterranean Journalists Association President Dündar Keşaplı.
The Italian coach stated that he was very proud to be deemed worthy of the award and thanked the award committee.
Montella also received the award from TFF President Büyükekşi, who could not attend the ceremony.
At the ceremony, Italian Football Federation President Gabriele Gravina was also awarded for his efforts to jointly organize EURO 2032 by Turkey and Italy.
MONTELLA: WE WANT TO DO A GOOD JOB
National Team Coach Vincenzo Montella told reporters at the award ceremony, “This is a matter of pride. I work abroad. It makes me happy that my work is appreciated in this way.” said.
Asked what he thought about Turkey coming out on top in the EURO 2024 Qualifiers, Montella said, “As the Turkish National Team, we are happy to win the group and come out on top. This is the first time this has happened in the European Championship Qualifiers. There is still time to prepare for the championship. This time the championship is on a higher level.” “We want to do a good job. There was excitement in the draw, but it is difficult to make a choice. After all, they are all very difficult matches.” he said.
Asked if he felt a responsibility because the championship would be played in Germany, where many Turks live, Montella said: “Definitely yes. We played a friendly match in Germany last month. There were more than 50 thousand people in the stadium. We know very well that we have many fans in Germany.” “We are aware that we have a responsibility to make our citizens proud.” he replied.
In response to a question, Montella also said that Hakan Çalhanoğlu is the best midfielder in Italy right now.
PRAISE FOR MONTELLA FROM DINO ZOFF
Dino Zoff, one of Italy’s former legendary goalkeepers, who was among the award recipients at the ceremony, spoke highly of Montella in his video message.
Reminding that Montella was his student in EURO 2000, Zoff said, “Now I see that he enabled Turkey to participate in the European Championship. For this reason, I am especially happy and very pleased. Montella is a good person. I have great memories with him because he is really in my national team squad.” He was an important name.” said.
Stating that he wishes Montella to do a good job, Zoff said, “However, I hope that Italy will be a little higher in the European Championship. He will forgive me for this. Of course, being champion or second would be nice. I sincerely hope that things go well.” he said.
ERGİN ATAMAN WAS ALSO RECEIVED AWARD
Ergin Ataman, who coaches Panathinaikos Men’s Basketball Team in Greece, was also deemed worthy of the European-Mediterranean Excellence Award.
The video message of Ataman, who could not attend the ceremony due to Panathinaikos’ match against Real Madrid this evening and whose award was sent to him, was projected on the screens at the ceremony.
Ataman said in his video message, “Thank you very much for receiving this prestigious award. I cannot be among you because we have a match tonight. I greet everyone.” he said.