Shakhtar Donetsk head coach Arda Turan has gone viral after two post-match interviews in which he appeared to do everything possible to avoid making eye contact with the club’s glamorous reporter, Daria Bondar Savina.
The latest exchange followed Shakhtar’s Europa League second qualifying round victory over Besiktas. Turan, 38, kept his gaze fixed on the ground or off to the side as the 24-year-old journalist who is married to his player Valeriy Bondar asked questions.
This wasn’t the first time the former Turkey star’s on-camera body language drew attention. A similar interview late last month also showed him fidgeting and avoiding eye contact, a behavior many online interpreted as a display of loyalty to his wife, Aslihan Dogan Turan, whom he married in 2018.
Turan has not addressed the viral moments, though observers have praised his professionalism in both instances. Some suggest his caution may be due not only to his marital status but also the fact Savina is married to someone in his squad.
The Turkish legend, capped 100 times for his country, took over at Shakhtar in early July after an impressive stint managing Eyupspor in Turkey. His arrival has attracted intense attention from Turkish supporters, known for their passionate following of the sport.
Savina herself has expressed surprise at the reaction. Writing on Instagram last month, she said she “didn’t expect to cause such a stir” and had been overwhelmed by the kindness and interest shown by Turkish fans. She described waking up to find herself in headlines, receiving countless messages, and being stopped for photos.
“I’m incredibly grateful for the warm hospitality,” she wrote, adding that she hoped to return to Istanbul soon to see fans again.
Social media has been quick to turn the interviews into a lighthearted talking point. According to GazetaExpress, one playful comment summed up the mood: “His eyes are on the woman, his heart is on discipline.”
For now, Turan continues to lead Shakhtar on the pitch while off it, his careful avoidance of eye contact remains an unexpectedly viral subplot to the club’s European campaign.
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