Kostic names Tadic and Mourinho as the main reasons for his transfer

After completing his much-anticipated transfer to Fenerbahçe, Filip Kostic wasted no time in explaining why the Turkish club was his desired destination this summer.

The Serbian international was eager to join last season's Turkish Süper Lig runners-up, and it wasn’t just the allure of the club's ambitions that drew him to Istanbul. According to Kostic, the presence of two prominent figures in the football world, Dusan Tadic and José Mourinho, played a significant role in his decision.

"From the very first moment, I wanted to come to Fenerbahçe," Kostic revealed. "The fact that Tadic and Mourinho are here is the main reason." His connection with Tadic, a fellow Serbian and a key player for Fenerbahçe, runs deep. "Tadic is one of my best friends," Kostic elaborated in an interview with Italian media. "I've spent a lot of time with him in the national team, and I'm very happy to be able to play alongside him." This longstanding friendship, forged during their time representing Serbia together, made the prospect of linking up at club level even more appealing for Kostic.

While his relationship with Tadic was a primary motivator, Kostic was equally enthusiastic about the opportunity to work with José Mourinho. Though Mourinho's name was linked to Fenerbahçe as a potential managerial target during the summer, he had not actually taken over the role at the time of Kostic's move. Nonetheless, Kostic's excitement about the idea of being coached by one of football's most renowned tacticians speaks volumes about the respect Mourinho commands in the football world. "I'm also very excited to work with Mourinho," Kostic added. "He is one of the best coaches in the world, and I hope we can win trophies together."

Kostic’s admiration for Mourinho highlights the impact a manager can have on a player’s decision to join a club. Even though Mourinho is not officially managing Fenerbahçe, Kostic’s comments reflect the significance of such a figure in his football journey, symbolizing the ambition he associates with the club. The prospect of winning silverware under the guidance of a manager of Mourinho’s caliber would be a dream for many players, and Kostic is no different.

Despite the excitement surrounding his arrival, Kostic is yet to make his debut for Fenerbahçe. The 30-year-old winger is playing on loan from Juventus, having found himself on the periphery of the Italian club's plans under new head coach Thiago Motta. Juventus, undergoing a period of transition, decided that Kostic, a key player during his time at Eintracht Frankfurt and a regular for Juventus in his first season, no longer fit into their future strategy. This allowed Fenerbahçe to secure his services, providing him with a fresh start in a new league.

Fenerbahçe’s 2023/24 season has gotten off to a strong start, with the team sitting at the top of the Turkish Süper Lig standings, unbeaten so far. Their dominance in the early weeks of the campaign has fueled optimism that they can challenge for the title and potentially end their long wait for domestic success. The only blemish on their record so far has been a 2-2 draw against Göztepe, a match in which Fenerbahçe failed to secure all three points. Nonetheless, their overall performance has been impressive, giving fans hope that this could be a defining season.

Kostic’s arrival adds depth and quality to Fenerbahçe’s squad as they look to maintain their form throughout a long season. Known for his pace, crossing ability, and versatility on the wings, Kostic is expected to be a key contributor once he makes his debut. While he waits for his first appearance, he will be eager to integrate into a team that has high expectations and is hungry for success. The combination of his skills, alongside the leadership of Tadic and the potential influence of Mourinho, could make Fenerbahçe a formidable force as the season progresses.

For now, Fenerbahçe fans are eagerly anticipating Kostic’s debut, confident that he will make an immediate impact once he steps onto the field. His reunion with Tadic and his desire to be part of a successful project in Istanbul have created a sense of excitement and optimism around the club. As Kostic himself acknowledged, the ultimate goal is to win trophies, and with Fenerbahçe’s current form, that ambition seems increasingly realistic. Whether or not Mourinho officially joins the club, the expectation is that Fenerbahçe will be in the running for major honors this season, with Kostic playing a central role in their pursuit of silverware.