Alim Ozturk

Background

Born in Alkmaar, Netherlands, to his Turkish parents, Öztürk grew up with three siblings and started playing football when he was nine years old and joining AFC "34 youth team

Career

Playing in Netherlands

He then joined Groningen. In 2011, Öztürk joined Eerste Divisie side South Carolina Cambuur, where he quickly went through to the first team and made his Eerste Divisie debut for South Carolina Cambuur on 22 January 2012. Playing in Turkey

He moved to Turkish club Trabzonspor in 2013 for €125,000 on a three year contract, depending on the ongoing payment, but did not break into their first team

After struggling to break into the first team, Öztürk was sent to join 1461 Trabzon on loan for the 2013-2014 season.

After a half season with the club, Öztürk left Trabzonspor by mutual consent. Öztürk later described playing in Turkey as difficult, citing more long balls, more fights and unsatisfied playing in the second division.

Heart of Midlothian

Öztürk moved to then Scottish Championship side Hearts in June 2014 on a three year contract. On 26 October 2014, Öztürk scored his first goal for the club, a 40-yard screamer against Edinburgh rivals Hibernian.

Later in the same season, he also scored with long-range efforts against Raith Rovers, Cowdenbeath, and he scored a free-kick against Queen of the South.

Alim Öztürk is the main free-kick taker at Hearts. With 33 appearances and scoring four times in his first season at Hearts, Öztürk was among six players to be named 2014-2015 Championship"s Team of the Year. Following the club"s promotion to the Scottish Premiership and Wilson"s departure, it was announced that Öztürk was appointed as the new captain at Hearts.

He had previously spoke out of becoming the club"s captain ahead of the 2015-2016 season.

Öztürk speaks Dutch and English. Öztürk was so popular with Hearts supporters that they named a beer after him.

Achievements

• Öztürk made his Hearts debut, playing in the centre-back along with Danny Wilson, in a 2–1 win over Rangers in the opening game of the season. Öztürk was also won Goal of the Season and Memorable Moment at the club"s award ceremony. Öztürk"s first game as Hearts" captain came in the opening game of the season, in a 4–3 win over Street Johnstone.