Rüştü Reçber

Rüştü Reçber
	File:RüştüReçber.JPG
Personal information
Full name	Rüştü Reçber
Height	1.86 m (6 ft 1 in)
Position(s)	Goalkeeper
Team information
Current team	Fenerbahçe SK
Number	34
	‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 22 October, 2006

Rüştü Reçber (born May 10, 1973 in Antalya) is a Turkish football goalkeeper, who currently plays for the Turkish national team. He has returned to Turkish club Fenerbahçe SK on a loan deal from FC Barcelona, due to a combination of subpar performance at Barça and quota restrictions on non-EU players in the Spanish league. But coach Frank Rijkaard said that he wants Rustu back so he can be playing at FC Barcelona again next season.

Rüştü is a very experienced international goalkeeper; he has kept the Turkish national team number 1 jersey since 1994, when he first made his international debut. However, compatriot Volkan Demirel has currently taken over his starting spot as no.1 keeper in the national team.

Rüştü played in Euro 96, Euro 2000 and the 2003 Confederations Cup, as well as helping Turkey to the semifinals of World Cup 2002. He is known as a great shot stopper with excellent positional sense. His 186 cm height gives him the advantage when it comes to corners. Rüştü is also highly rated in his home country, especially among Fenerbahçe fans, where he played some great games for them, as well as appearing in the Champions League. He is also known for his long ponytail and for his American Indian-like war paint, especially in the application of black charcoal streaks under his eyes. He claims they help block out the stadium lights.

Despite the fact that many of the players are not liked by the supporters of the rival clubs, Rüştü is one of the few players that almost every football fan in Turkey is in favour of. Having played some excellent matches for the national team, Rüştü gets the respect he deserves.

Rüştü enjoys a big following in Greece. The Greek Rustu Fan Club is regularly organizing Rustu events. The Greek fan club has also created Rustu.com. Rüştü has also donated a huge amount of money for construction of a high school in his hometown Korkuteli, Antalya, Turkey. He was first discovered when he was playing in Antalyaspor SK.

Rüştü has been selected by Pele as one of FIFA 100 top players, along with fellow Turk Emre Belozoglu who currently plays at Newcastle United.

External links

Template:Turkey Squad Euro 1996

Template:Turkey-footybio-stub