Merih Demiral offers support to Saudi Arabia after attack, calling it his ‘second home’

Merih Demiral used his pre-match press conference to express solidarity with Saudi Arabia after an attack targeting civilians, saying the country had become his “second home”.

The Al Ahli Saudi defender said the situation went beyond football and that players had a duty to acknowledge the suffering of those affected. He spoke about the attack before addressing sporting matters ahead of his side’s meeting with Al Wasl.

“I would first like to talk about what is happening in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia,” Demiral said. “It is true that we work in football, but there are humanitarian issues about which we cannot remain silent.”

The Turkey international offered his condolences to those who lost their lives and wished a swift recovery to those injured.

“I hope all those injured in this terrorist attack make a speedy recovery,” he said. “I ask God to have mercy on those who lost their lives and to give their families patience and strength.

“My heart and prayers are with the victims and their families. I describe this as a terrorist attack because it targeted innocent civilians who had done nothing wrong and without any justification.”

Demiral said attacks on civilians could not be defended or excused. He added that concern for the injured and the families of the victims had to take priority over other considerations, even while players remained focused on their football commitments.

The defender also spoke about his personal connection with Saudi Arabia, where he has lived and said he had felt safe, comfortable and happy.

“Saudi Arabia is a strong country and I am confident it will overcome this difficult period,” Demiral said. “It is my second home, and a country where we have always felt safe, comfortable and happy.

“Saudi Arabia will always be close to my heart, and I wish the country and its people lasting security and peace.”

Demiral’s comments came before Al Ahli Saudi’s fixture against Al Wasl, with the defender choosing to begin his media duties by addressing the attack and offering support to those affected.

His message focused on the victims and their families, while expressing hope that those injured would recover from the consequences of what happened and that Saudi Arabia would regain security and peace.