Inter’s Hakan Calhanoglu recently admitted to prosecutors that he had met with members of the ultras group linked to Inter, some of whom were arrested last month, despite warnings from his club. The Turkish international made this revelation during a meeting with Milan and anti-mafia prosecutors on Thursday.
While neither Calhanoglu nor Inter as an organization are currently under investigation, the midfielder was summoned to clarify his relationship with certain ultras members now facing legal action. Milan, Inter’s local rival, is also not under investigation, despite their captain, Davide Calabria, and Inter coach Simone Inzaghi, being questioned as witnesses earlier.
19 Ultras Members Arrested in Mafia Investigation
In September, Italian police arrested 19 people, including leading figures from both Inter and Milan ultras groups. The individuals are accused of conducting illegal operations both within and outside the San Siro stadium, allegedly on behalf of Mafia families based in Calabria. Among those detained were Marco Ferdico and Antonio Bellocco, key figures in Inter’s Curva Nord supporters’ section. Bellocco was killed on September 4 in a suspected internal dispute among the Nerazzurri ultras.
Calhanoglu confirmed meeting both Ferdico and Bellocco before their arrests, explaining that the meetings were a gesture of appreciation after ultras displayed a banner in his honor following the 2023 earthquake in Turkey.
Calhanoglu Denies Social Connections With Ultras
During his testimony, Calhanoglu emphasized that his interactions with the ultras were limited and largely ceremonial. Despite wiretaps suggesting otherwise, the midfielder denied having any personal or family connections with the ultras group. According to La Stampa, the most significant part of his statement was: “I met the ultras, but the club told me not to.”
Calhanoglu’s acknowledgment of meeting with ultras figures, despite Inter’s advice, has attracted attention. However, the midfielder was clear in distancing himself from any deeper involvement in their activities, stressing that his meetings were motivated by gratitude rather than any social ties.
