Fan nicknamed "Grandpa" sent his wife to buy bread, and went to the match himself

Erdem Alan, a 64-year-old loyal fan nicknamed "Grandpa" of the Turkish football club "Erzurumspor," never leaves his beloved team alone in any match. The fan, who attracts attention with his hitchhiking trips and nights spent in terminals, has turned his love for the team into a lifestyle.

Idman.Biz reports with reference to "Anadolu Agency" that Erdem Alan, originally from the Uzundere district of Erzurum, has had great love for "Erzurumspor" for 46 years. He fell in love with this team while working in Tokat in the 1980s and did not spare his support when he later returned to his hometown by appointment. The fan, who decorates his house with the club's colors and always wears the team's uniforms, does not miss even away matches despite financial difficulties.

Erdem Alan stated that he is committed to his team and endures all kinds of difficulties to go to away games:

"I went to the match in Sanliurfa. After the game, I saw that no one was there. I didn't know what to do, I had little money, so I was hitchhiking. I told a taxi driver that I had 400 lira (15 AZN) and wanted to go to the bus station, but he asked me for 350 lira (13 AZN). At that moment, a police officer on a motorcycle approached and asked me if I had come to the match. When I confirmed, he put me on the back of his motorcycle and took me to the bus station. When I was returning by bus, I asked someone on the road to take as much as needed for the fare from my only 400 lira and return the rest to me. He only took 200 lira (7 AZN). People helped me, and I will never forget the police bringing me to the bus station."

He noted that his wife is always understanding:

"Once, when I was leaving work, my phone rang. My wife told me to buy bread when I came home. At that time, I was going to a match from Kocaeli to Istanbul. I said "okay" to her. Later, she realized that I had gone to the match and went and bought it herself. No matter what happens, I am always behind my team."

His wife, Zennure Alan, said that she has become accustomed to her husband's love:

"He has no other entertainment or harmful habits, just matches. I'm used to it now, I've left him to his own devices."