A video has gone viral on social media showing a stunning long-range goal scored by “Lankaran” midfielder Tuncay Babayev in a Regional League match against “Zafar-44.” İdman.Biz contacted Tuncay to speak with him about his dreams, his team, and his teammates.
— Tuncay, tell us about yourself. Where are you from, and how did you end up at “Lankaran”?
— I’m from Yardimli, I’m 19 years old. My father always wanted me to play football, so he took me to a football academy. I played for the reserve teams of “Zira” and “Shamakhi.” After “Shamakhi,” I quit football completely. They treated me very unfairly, removing me from the club. And not just me — everyone who trained under coach Myagsad Yagubaliyev. After he left the team, they practically pushed all of us out…
— When did you return? And how did you join “Lankaran”?
— It’s all thanks to Rahman muallim, the president of our club. He really wanted me to play for his team because I used to play together with his son. He convinced me to come back. So I returned — just two weeks ago.
— And two weeks later you scored such an incredible goal?! Was it deliberate or instinctive, considering it was over 30 meters?
— No, I aimed it. I saw the goal and hoped I’d hit it. Controlled the ball, shot — and it went in (laughs).
— So you don’t regret returning to football?
— No, of course not! Football is my life. I realized I can’t live without it.
— But you still need to earn a living. I doubt Regional League players get paid well…
— More like not paid at all (laughs). Most of us play for enjoyment and work elsewhere to support our families. In the Regional League almost every player has another job. I, for example, work as a cook at McDonald’s.
— And what if one day they tell you to choose — work or football?
— I don’t think they’ll say that. Although… sometimes they do (laughs). But I try to manage everything and not let work fall behind. Still, as I said — I can’t live without football. And I’d like to take this opportunity to speak to the people of Lankaran: come and support us! We play for you and want to feel your presence! All we want is to bring back the championship days of “Khazar-Lankaran.” You see that we don’t play for money or benefits — cars, apartments. We play to develop football in the southern region and restore the prestige of the club. And for that, we really need your support!
— I hope the fans hear you.
— I truly hope so too, and I’m waiting for them at our next matches.
Vugar Vugarli
