A former Turkish striker, Hakan Sukur surprisingly now works in the US as an Uber driver after having to flee his homeland.
In an interview with Welt am Sonntag, Sukur says he now makes a living driving people around and selling books after also initially working in a cafe.
The 48-year-old, who used to work as part of the Erdogan government in Turkey, says he is now seen as a traitor by those in his home country.
Following his family receiving threats and attacks, they’re now living in the US in what must be one of the most remarkable falls from grace to grass.
“I have nothing left,” he said in an interview with Welt am Sonntag.
“Erdogan took everything: my right to liberty, freedom of expression and right to work.
“Nobody seems able to explain what my role in this coup was supposed to be. I never did anything illegal, I am not a traitor or a terrorist.
“I might be an enemy of this Government, but not the state or the Turkish nation. I love my country.
‘’After the split with Erdogan, I started to receive threats. My wife’s shop was attacked, my children were harassed, my father put in prison and all my assets confiscated.
“So I moved to the United States, initially running a cafe in California, but strange people kept coming into the bar. Now I drive for Uber and I sell books.”
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Sukur was capped over 100 times for the Turkish national team and has netted 51 goals.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago
