Global Courant
ISTANBUL
Istanbulites are happy that their city will host the biggest football event of 2023, the Champions League final, with the participation of thousands of football fans from all over the world.
The final between Manchester City and Inter Milan will be played at the Atatürk Olympic Stadium on Saturday, but events, festivals and competitions for fans started at Yenikapı Festival Park (Event Ground), which has a magnificent sea view.
The UEFA Champions Festival will run from Thursday to Sunday. Visitors can experience activities such as unique selfie opportunities, live music, and football-related entertainment.
Working as a golf manager in Dubai, Tom Nicholson came to Istanbul with his brother Alex to watch the final.
Born in Manchester, Nicholson played at Manchester City Academy until the age of 16.
“The event looks great. We landed this morning (Thursday), so we’re here for a walk now. People seem friendly. The weather looks good.”
He described the football culture at Manchester City as “very passionate”.
“We didn’t win much in the past, so we’re used to being beaten. So I think we’re pretty humble as a fan base.”
He believes that winning this trophy will be great for the club.
“I think every club would love to win the Champions League trophy, let Pep Guardiola win the trophy with us for the club. That’s what’s missing.”
Participants have the chance to see the prestigious iconic Champions League trophy at the festival.
“I was surprised. It’s nice to be this close to it,” said Alex.
This will be the second Champions League final the Nicholson brothers will witness.
“We also went to Porto a few years ago when Chelsea beat us, so I’m looking forward to that. I hope it’s a slightly different outcome.”
Chelsea took a 1-0 win over Manchester City, where Kai Havertz scored the only goal, in the 2021 Champions League final in Porto, Portugal.
The event also attracted visitors from thousands of kilometers away from Turkey.
Mexican 60-year-old football enthusiast Hector “Caramelo” Chavez went to Istanbul with his son to watch the match at the stadium.
“We are here to invite everyone to the 2026 World Cup in Mexico for the final.”
The USA, Canada and Mexico will host the 2026 World Cup.
“I have attended 10 World Cups (as a spectator).
“I think it would be great because there is a player whose name is (Erling) Haaland. I remember another star in Mexico at the 1970 World Cup, Pele, one of the best players in the world. Maradona in 1986. And now, Haaland can be a superstar. I am thinking.”
Caramelo was at the Estadio Azteca for the 1986 World Cup final in Mexico City, where Argentina defeated West Germany 3-2.
“I love to travel. When we won the gold medal in London in 2012, I went to the Olympic Games and I will be at the CONCACAF Gold Cup.”
– Football legends will take to the field as part of the festival on Friday
The festival will continue with a football match on Friday, where teams of football legends including Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, Clarence Seedorf, Kaka and Patrick Vieira will play.
Gabriel Dodson, 30, living in the US state of Virginia, traveled thousands of kilometers to Istanbul for his first Champions League final. He is a big fan of Inter Milan due to his Italian roots.
“I came here to watch Inter Milan vs Manchester City. I’m excited. We went to the Milan Derby in Milan this year, so I’m happy to be here to follow them all the way to Istanbul.”
“It’s going to be a tough game. Manchester City is in top form this year. It’s going to be a tough game. But I think we have the defense to lock them in and keep them close and those five Backing defenders will do well against Manchester City.”
Dodson is excited to be a part of the festival.
“The event is great. Everything has been perfect so far. I got here pretty easily. Everything is organized. This is the first row I enter, so I’m looking forward to walking around and getting some food and some merchandise.”
Inter Milan took home the Coppa Italia (Cup of Italy) in back-to-back seasons, finishing third in the Serie A table this year.
Manchester City will take the third jewel of their triple crown on Saturday, as the Sky Blues have won the Premier League title and the FA Cup so far.
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