London calling for Kazım Kazım

When Fenerbahçe SK secured qualification from the UEFA Champions League group stage for the first time in December, their London-born forward Kazım Kazım told uefa.com: "I want to get an English club." He eventually got his wish and on Tuesday the former Sheffield United FC man will face Chelsea FC in circumstances even he could have scarcely imagined.

Homeward bound
Kazım Kazım watched from the bench as Fenerbahçe fell 1-0 behind at home to Chelsea last Wednesday but the 21-year-old got his opportunity early in the second half when he was introduced by coach Zico. Within eleven minutes he had beaten Carlo Cudicini with a coolly-taken finish, setting Fenerbahçe on the road to a 2-1 win. Now, having spent around €2,500 on Stamford Bridge tickets for his family, he cannot wait for the return. "I grew up in London and my family could not have imagined this success," Kazım Kazım said. "I have tried to get as many tickets as possible, but it's not about them coming to the game – it's about us getting through the tie."

Goalscorer
Having made the most of his only home start in the competition on Matchday 4, when his shot was deflected in by PSV Eindhoven's Dirk Marcellis in a decisive 2-0 home success, Kazım Kazım is now on the goalscorers list in his own right. Yet he is more concerned with what his strike means to his side's chances of a first European semi-final in their centenary season. "For me personally, it is nice to get the goal," the Turkish international said. "But even more it's great for the team. We have a little bit of an advantage but they are a great team at Stamford Bridge so we are going to have to work even harder."

Team spirit
The former Bury FC and Brighton and Hove Albion FC player suffered a 3-0 defeat at Chelsea last term on his sole career visit with Sheffield United. Unlike that day, Kazım Kazım is not usually a starter at Fener but is just pleased to have any role to play. "I'm happy being part of the team," he said. "I'm working hard to get into the starting eleven. It's not about me, it's about the team, about Turkey, about us getting to the final.

Show confidence
"Whatever Zico thinks is best, as he is in charge and I am in no position to criticise the manager. He gives us a lot of confidence and instils calmness in the squad. As Zico always tells us – it's not about the name on the shirt, we've just got to go out and play. The main thing is to go out and show confidence, not looking to draw but to go out and score a goal and win the game." Do that and Kazım Kazım will soon be back in England to take on the winners of the Arsenal FC-Liverpool FC quarter-final. "I'm an Arsenal fan but I have no preference – Liverpool or Arsenal," he said. "Either way, we're coming back to England."