Aston Villa's Turkish defender Alpay is determined to play a peacemaking role ahead of England's visit to Istanbul for the crunch Euro 2004 qualifier.
Alpay has offered to throw a party for England after the match, regardless of the result.
The Turkish international said: "I have already invited Darius Vassell because he is a good friend of mine at Aston Villa."
Alpay and Turkey team-mate Tugay had been accused of sparking a heated exchange with England players during the qualifier at Sunderland's Stadium of Light which England won 2-0.
But Alpay is keen to take the heat out of a potentially explosive situation as passions run high ahead of the match.
 |
You shouldn't have any worries about English players being safe inside the
stadium
|
Alpay said: "Do you think we are going to come out on to the pitch next Saturday with
machine guns and shoot the England team?"
"The exchange of words during the game at Sunderland was something that happens in all
games.
"I just think it was more highlighted because both teams were fighting to
win the group," Alpay added in the Daily Mirror newspaper.
"I am sure the Turkish people will show their hospitality to the English
people. I'm sure they will get the hospitality they deserve.
"You shouldn't have any worries about English players being safe inside the
stadium."
~RS~a~RS~Domestic~RS~q~RS~~RS~z~RS~12~RS~){kind=small}
E-mail this to a friend
Printable version
