Wed 16 Jan 08
Newcastle 4
Stoke 1
Sending Off

Sun 07 Oct 07
Newcastle 3
Everton 2
Goal

Sat 14 Apr 07
Portsmouth 2
Newcastle 1
Goal

Birthplace: Istanbul, Turkey
Date signed: 14 July 2005
NUFC Debut: 3 August 2005 v Deportivo (H)

International Career
51 Full Turkey caps, 4 goals
International Debut
February 2000 v Norway

Emre Belözoglu, an attacking left sided midfielder, joined United from Internazionale on 14 July 2005, signing a five-year contract.

He is one of the most highly talented Turkish football players of all time and was instrumental in Galatasaray's unbeaten run to a historic UEFA Cup victory over Arsenal in 2000, and Turkey's impressive third-place finish in the 2002 World Cup.

At the age of only seven, Emre shone for his village team, Gunesspor, attracting the eye of many an interested onlooker and in March 1990, aged 10, he joined Zeytinburnuspor. Emre was quickly spotted by Galatasaray and he signed for them during the 1995 season, fulfilling his and his father's dream.

Emre was discovered and developed by legendary Galatasaray manager Fatih Terim, he made his first appearance for the club's senior team as a 16-year-old in the 1996-97 season. The following year, he became a regular, and continued with the club through until the 2000-01 season, influential in their UEFA Cup victory over Arsenal in 2000.

Emre gained much popularity and fame at Galatasaray, earning the reputation of one of the greatest players they had ever seen. At the end of the 1996-97 season, Galatasaray played Besiktas and with the scores level at 2-2 going into the final few minutes Emre scored a terrific goal to win the match and give Galatasaray the Turkish Championship.

19-year old Emre had by now gained a worldwide reputation as one of the most skillful and talented young players in Europe, attracting the likes of Internazionale and Arsenal. A year later, Emre signed for Internazionale, where he became a favourite of the San Siro crowd along with fellow Turks Burak Okan and Hakan Sukur.

Demonstrating passion, charisma, and skill, Emre was also one of the outstanding Turkish players in the national team which finished a surprising third at the 2002 World Cup. He was also named by Brazilian legend Pelé as one of the top 125 greatest living footballers in March 2004.

Emre, a devout Muslim, has played for the Turkish U/16, U/18 and U/21 international teams and was the youngest Galatasaray player (17) ever to play in a UEFA Championship League game. He made his International debut in February 2000, versus Norway.

His first season at St. James' Park was hampered by injury but he did hit the winner, and his first United goal, a stunning free kick, in the 3-2 derby win over Sunderland on 23 October 2005. Settling more into the English game in 2006/07, Emre is confident 2007/8 will be his best yet in a black and white shirt.