Pedro Franco, who was transferred to Beşiktaş from Colombia’s Millonarios team in 2013, played 59 matches for the black-whites and scored 1 goal.
Franco, who is remembered for his defense in Beşiktaş’s elimination of Liverpool in Istanbul and in reaching the last 16 of the UEFA Europa League, also played in 5 matches for the Colombian National Team.
The 32-year-old defender, who currently plays for the Colombian team Alianza Petrolera, shared his days in Beşiktaş, his thoughts about coach Slaven Bilic, Şenol Güneş and Galatasaray’s Colombian defender Davinson Sanchez.
Here are Pedro Franco’s statements:
“IT WAS A CHANCE FOR ME TO PLAY IN THE SUPER LEAGUE”
I participated in the tournament held in Colombia at that time with the Colombia U20 National Team and showed a good performance in the tournament. My transfer to Beşiktaş took place after the then sports director Önder Özen followed me. At the beginning of the season in 2013, I had the opportunity to join Beşiktaş with coach Slaven Bilić. It was a great chance to go to the Turkish Super League, where good football is played and high-quality foreign players compete. The Super League consisted of players playing in national teams. So it was a great opportunity for me to go to the Super League and compete at a high level.
“LIVERPOOL VICTORY WAS SPECIAL FOR US”
Liverpool’s victory was a special match for both us and all Beşiktaş fans. We knew we were facing a big rival like Liverpool. We also did a good job away in England. With the support of all our fans, we managed to win at the Istanbul Olympic Stadium and secured our place in the next round as a result of the penalty shoot-out.
“SLAVEN BILIC WAS A FOOTBALL PROFESSOR”
I think I had a great experience with Slaven Bilić, who plays in the Premier League and is a player and coach in the Croatian National Team. I think Bilic had a very good experience and was a football professor. That’s why it helped me adapt to Turkish football. He also had new concepts that helped me improve as an actor.
“ŞENOL GÜNEŞ MADE A JUMP TO BEŞİKTAŞ”
Beşiktaş won championships under the management of coach Şenol Güneş. Şenol Güneş made Beşiktaş make a leap in quality during his time in the team. It worked very well for the team. Şenol Güneş’s working style has a different effect on each player. This does not mean that I could not adapt to the team at that time. His style of play suited the players of his time as champion. At the end of this, he won the championship.
“DAVINSON SANCHEZ IS A VERY TECHNICAL PLAYER”
Davinson Sanchez is a great player. He played in important teams and major leagues. He also served for a long time in the Colombian National Team. Sanchez is a technical player. He is also a football player with very good physical abilities along with his speed and marking power.
“I ALWAYS WANT BEŞİKTAŞ TO BE A CHAMPION”
I think the most important thing about Beşiktaş fans was that the atmosphere in the stadium was great and people were always supportive. It was the first time I saw the whole stadium singing in unison, and there was always a show in the stands at the games. I always follow Beşiktaş’s results in the Turkish Super League. I always want Beşiktaş to be successful, to participate in international tournaments and to become champions. Now I know they have qualified for the Europa League and I wish them good luck.