Alpay Ozalan

Birth Date: May 29 1973
Birth Place: Izmir
Birth Nation: Turkey
Height: 188cm
Weight: 81Kg
Nationality: Turkish
Position: Defender

Full Name: Fehmi Alpay Ozalan

First International Cap: Romania (February 15 1995)

Alpay Ozalan is a tall, strong Turkish international defender and was selected during Euro 96 for a special fair play award by Czech Soccer Association President, Frantisek Chalovsky because he did not foul Goran Vlaovic illegally from behind to bring him down in the match against Croatia but instead allowed him to run on and score.

Alpay has won two Turkish domestic Cups in 1994 and again in 1998 and also won the championship title in 1995 all three with Besiktas. Aston Villa made a bid to get Ozalan after seeing his defensive skills during the European Uefa Championships in 2000 however he did receive a red card during his opening game against Italy.

Aston Villa got his signature for ?5.6 million on 21 July 2000. The arrival of the Turkish defender was a coup for Aston Villa and was a surprise for his club Fenerbahce, who were expecting him to re-sign after Euro 2000. He made his debut in a 0-0 draw with Leicester City at Filbert Street.

Alpay adapted rapidly to English football and was ever-present in his first season at Villa Park. He became a vital player for the Villa defense. The 2001/02 campaign started well for Alpay but then received an ankle injury playing against Leicester City in December which kept him out of the game for the rest of that season. Apparently he said at this point that he was not happy at Villa

But Alpay came back from injury and forged a promising partnership with Olof Mellberg as Villa went to the top of the Premiership table. Alpay then went to the 2002 World Cup with the Turkey squad and was sent off for a professional foul in the opening game against Brazil but played great as Turkey finished third in the tournament. Alpay handed in a transfer request just before the start of the new season

Previous Clubs
1992-1993 Altay (Turkey)
1993-1999 Besiktas (Turkey)
1999-2000 Fenerbahce (Turkey)

His Official Site: http://www.alpayozalan.com