Euro 2024: Arda Guler Quashes Rumours on Why He Was Dropped for Turkiye vs Portugal

• Portugal became the third country to qualify for the knockout stages of Euro 2024 after a 3-0 victory over Turkiye
• Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler was dropped to the bench for the match despite scoring a goal against Georgia
• The ex-Fenerbahce star has quenched rumours about the decision with a telling picture he shared on his Instagram page

Real Madrid youngster Arda Guler started off the bench during Turkiye’s 3-0 loss to Portugal in their second Group F game at the 2024 European championship.

Guler started the 3-1 win over Georgia and scored one of the best goals of the tournament so far to help his country regain the lead after they were pulled back.

He played 79 minutes before he was taken off the pitch to a standing ovation by the fans, but in the second group game, he came on at the end of the match.

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Why Guler started off the bench at Euro 2024

The decision to drop Guler to the bench for the crucial match was frowned upon by the fans but head coach Vincenzo Montella explained why the teenager did not start.

"Arda wasn't fit to play, I can say clearly he could not play more than 30 minutes without increasing the risk. So there was also a temptation of not putting him in 20 minutes from the end, but finally I gave in because good players must play my opinion…” he said via Reuters.

"Arda is a great, smart guy. He is very passionate about his country, is proud of his country. But even though he knew that he was risking an injury by playing, he wanted to be on the pitch.”

The 19-year-old attacker dismissed rumours of any issue by sharing a photo of Montella kissing his forehead on his Instagram story after the match.

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The Crescent Stars will be in action against Czechia in their final group game for a chance to progress to the knockout stage.

Guler breaks Cristiano Ronaldo’s record

Sports Brief reported on Arda Guler breaking Cristiano Ronaldo’s record with his goal for Turkiye in their 3-1 win over Georgia in their opening group stage game.

The Real Madrid youngster moved ahead of Ronaldo as one of the youngest players to score at an European Championship, a feat the Portuguese achieved 20 years ago.