-Rustu Recber-

Information/Stats:

birth date: 5/10/1973
birth place: Antalya
birth Nation: Turkey
height: 186 cm
weight: 82 kg
nationality: Turkey

Int'l Caps:  64 (as of 27 May 2002)
First Int'l Cap:  Iceland (12 October 1994)
Likes: His wife, whose name he has tattooed onto his finger instead of a wedding ring.
Dislikes: The amount of football played in the modern game.

World Cup Stats:

History/Information:

Rustu Recber has long been admired across Europe as one of the finest goalkeepers around, but Fenerbahce SK have managed to hang on to their prized asset. He joined the club from Antalyaspor in 1993 and has been a loyal servant ever since. He took over from Engin Ipekoglu at club and international level after initially impressing for the Under-21 side. In 2000/01, he made more than 30 appearances as his team marched to the league title. The campaign also saw him  play six times in the UEFA Champions League. Rustu has been Turkey’s first-choice goalkeeper since 1996 having made his debut against Iceland in 1994. He represented his country at EURO 2000. He has since made more than 50 appearances for the national team. His main strengths are his willingness to come for high balls, his ability in one-on-one situations, and being blessed with quick reflexes.

Fenerbahce shot-stopper Recber is the last line of the Turkish defense and comes into the Championships after an inspired qualifying campaign where he conceded just seven goals. The 27-year-old has managed to keep club-mate Engin Ipekoglu on the bench for both club and country since his emergence in the mid-1990s.  He had a nightmare game in Turkey's first match of Euro 2000. He looked very unsure on crosses and had his defenders looking decidedly edgy as the ball was played in. But there was nothing he could do about the two goals. The first was an overhead kick by Antonio Conte and the second a penalty from Filippo Inzaghi. He nearly got to the spot kick but there was too much power on the shot as Italy won 2-1. He produced a much better display to thwart the Belgians, beating out efforts from Luc Nilis and Bart Goor. Finished the tournament strongly as Turkey lost to Portugal.

In recent years, Rustu has been increasingly troubled by injuries, including a nagging back problem which keeps recurring. Such is his commitment to club and country, has often chosen to play with a pain-killing injection rather than miss a match.

Recber is widely credited with winning the 2000-1 league title for Fenerbahce, where he has served since 1994.  But three years ago things were not so sweet. Fenerbahce fans pulled open the doors of Rustu's car and kicked and punched him after an embarrassing 2-1 loss against second division Pendikspor. "I want to quit football," Rustu said at the time. The fans did not realize it was not only their Goalkeeper's fault but the other players' fault as well.

He no longer wants to quit soccer, but he has often talked about moving abroad since the attack and during the build-up to the finals he was linked with a move to possibly England or Germany. 

His Sayings:

"Fenerbahce made me one of the best keepers in Turkey. I owe a lot to this club so I will stay for another year."
- on turning down a move abroad to see out his contract at Fenerbahce, May 2002.

"I want to quit football."
- after being assaulted by fans after Fenerbahce lost to Pendikspor in the Turkish Cup, December 1999.

"We haven't had a proper rest for years. It will be the same this year. As soon as the Super League finishes, we start preparing for the World Cup."
- on the grueling fixture schedule, April 2002.

   “...Maybe I’ll live to regret the decision, but life goes on.” - Rustu after being asked why he turned down Manchester Utd.

For more Information as many have you have requested, refer to these articles of Rustu.

Megasoccer:

Rustu Remains a Fan of Fener

Onefootball:

Rustu Snubs United for Fener Fans

Soccerage:

Turkish Goalkeeper Linked With Villa Switch

Villa-Target Rustu Uncertain About His Future

In-Demand Rustu Will Stay Loyal To Fenerbahce

Rustu Recber Rejects Move To Manchester United

Arsenal Linked With Turkish World Cup Keeper Rustu

Rustu Set To Snub Premiership Trio To Remain Loyal To Fenerbahce

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