Former Germany international Kerem Demirbay regrets his decision to represent the German national team rather than Turkey, stating that a tattoo of Turkey on his shoulder and how it was perceived ended his international career under the German Football Association. The 33-year-old midfielder, who currently plays for Kasımpaşa in the Turkish Süper Lig, earned two caps for Germany in 2017 before falling out of favor.

Why Demirbay Chose Germany in 2017

Demirbay explained that he initially wanted to play for Turkey and that his representatives spent a year and a half trying to secure an affiliation with the Turkish federation. However, obstacles arose that forced his hand. “I wanted to play for Turkey, we wooed the federation for a year and a half,” Demirbay said in an interview with journalist Yağız Sabuncuoğlu. “But because of certain things I cannot talk about, I had to choose Germany.” He subsequently made two appearances for the DFB in 2017, having previously represented Turkey at youth international levels.

How a Tattoo Ended His DFB Career

“I took off my shirt and you could see my Turkey tattoo,” Demirbay said. “That changed the dynamics, including in the media. How can it be that a player plays for Germany and has the map of another country tattooed? “I would never play for Germany again, even if they called me now,” the midfielder stated.”

Move to Galatasaray and Permanent Regret

In 2023, Demirbay left the German Bundesliga—where he featured for clubs including TSG Hoffenheim and Bayer Leverkusen—to move to Istanbul and sign with Galatasaray. Reflecting on his career path and heritage, the veteran player emphasized his deep-rooted identity. “My blood is Turkish. My father is a Turk, my mother is a Turk—I am a Turk,” Demirbay said. “My biggest regret will always be never wearing the jersey of the Turkish national team.”