FORMER goalkeeper for FC Barcelona Rüştü Reçber says he 'will never forget' what the club did for him whilst he 'was dying from Covid-19'.
Reçber, 46, recently left hospital after 11 days of intense treatment, during which his condition deteriorated at one point to such an extent that his fans Europe-wide began to fear for his life.
Now back at home in Istanbul with his wife Isil, where he is director of national Superleague team FC Beşiktaş Jimnastik Kulübü, Reçber said: “It was a very difficult and long treatment process for me.
“There's a cure for this virus that our ministry of health has implemented; the doctors applied this method extensively for 10 days and put a lot of effort into it.
“The support of my loved ones through this process was fantastic. They all united together, and we knew how we'd win this battle – in the end, it just turned out to be a scary time, and I'm really happy.”
Rüştü Reçber was headhunted by Barça after his excellent performance in the 2002 World Cup, which led to Turkey's coming an historic third – and Barça was in the queue along with Juventus, Liverpool, Manchester United, Valencia CF, and also Arsenal until a fall-out with manager Arsène Wenger put paid to what looked to be a definite signing.
He played for FC Barcelona from 2003, when his contract with Istanbul-based club Fenerbahçe expired, until the end of the 2004 season when he returned to his previous team.
“Barcelona gave me great support during and after my illness,” Reçber reveals.
“In particular, Carlos Naval and Chemi Teres, who passed on the club's and the chairman's well wishes.
“At times like this, it's the little details that should never be forgotten – I'll never forget what Barça did for me when I was dying from Coronavirus. It gave me life and hope.”
An emotional Rüştü went on: “I want Barcelona to know I'm always there for them. I want to express my infinite gratitude to them, especially Señor Bartomeu.”
The Turk, who retired from play in 2012, said his season with Barça was 'unique' for himself and his loved ones.
“I'm proud to have been a part of this great family,” he admitted.
“I remember that I had a good World Cup in Korea and Japan in 2002 and that this was what made it possible for me to sign up with Barça. It was truly unique. The day-to-day there is really special, and it would be hard for it to be wiped from my memory. The people are fabulous and really caring. I could never tell you anything bad about this experience.”
Signed up by Frank Rijkaard, Reçber was with FC Barcelona at the same time as legends such as Xavi, Ronaldinho and Saviola – and says Xavi, 'when he becomes Barça manager', will 'do great things'.
“I was lucky to have the chance to play alongside Xavi and be his friend – as a person, he's top,” Reçber reveals.
“Also, he has a very solid knowledge of top-level football. But probably everyone knows that already.
“It was a delight to share the locker rooms with him, because he was so special – always affectionate, and always with a smile to brighten up my day.
“When he was a player, he gave a great service to the club – I think he'll do great things when he becomes its manager. A person with his level of knowledge and ability is vital for such a huge team as this. Luis Enrique is a great example of how it's important to trust former players – they're both winners, and both rôle models to look up to in an industry as big as this.”
Rüştü revealed all this in an interview published this morning (Wednesday) in Spanish sports newspaper As.
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