Turkey international Ahmet Calik tragically killed in car crash aged 27

Turkish footballer Ahmet Calik has tragically died in a car crash.

The 27-year-old, who played eight times for his national team and most recently turned out for club Konyaspor, was involved in the collision on Monday morning in the capital city of Ankara.

Calik also played for Super Lig giants Galatasaray after spending his early years with Genclerbirligi.

Reports from Turkey say that the incident occurred around 9am in the Hacilar District of Golbasi.

The defender's car is said to have gone out of control on the Ankara-Nigde road before overturning.

Calik was alone in the vehicle.

In a statement, Konyaspor said: "We are deeply saddened by the loss of our football player Ahmet Calik, who has won the love of our fans and our city since the first day he came to Konyaspor.

"Condolences to all of us, especially to the family of our football player Ahmet Calik."

Meanwhile, the Turkish Football Federation added: "It is with deep sadness that we learned that Ahmet Calik, football player of Ittifak Holding Konyaspor, who also played in our National Team, passed away as a result of a traffic accident.

"May Allah have mercy on the deceased; Our condolences to his family, relatives, Ittifak Holding Konyaspor Club and the Turkish football community."

Former Galatasaray and Arsenal forward Lukas Podolski paid tribute by tweeting : I'm so sorry to hear the news, I'm in shock. Death doesn't suit you, brother! May your place be heaven.

Known for his athleticism and aggressive defending, Calik had an impressive career at both club level and internationally, representing Turkey at the UEFA under-19 Championship and FIFA under-20 World Cup in 2013.

On November 6, 2015, the centre-back was was called up to the senior squad for the first time and made his debut in Turkey's 0-0 draw with Greece.

Calik then made Fatih Terim 's 23-man squad for the Euro 2016.

Unfortunately, he did not make a single appearance and Turkey finished third in a tough group which contained Croatia and Spain, failing to reach the knockout stages.

Calik scored his first and only international goal in a friendly against Moldova on March 27, 2017.

In what proved to be the last of his eight caps, he doubled Turkey's lead in the 24th minute as his nation ran out 3-1 winners in Eskisehir.

Purchased for £2.25million in January 2017, Calik won two Turkish league titles with Galatasaray.

The first came in in 2018 and second in 2019, the same year he also got his hands on the Turkish Cup and Turkish Super Cup.

He left the club in 2020 to join Konyaspor on a free transfer and made 51 appearances.

18 of those came this season, with Ilhan Palut's men sitting second in the table, 10 points adrift of leaders Trabzonspor.