Ersan Gulum

Ersan Adem Gulum (Turkish pronunciation: [aɾˈsan ˈaːdem ˈɟylym]; born 17 May 1987) is a Turkish professional footballer who plays as a centre back for Preston Lions in the NPL Victoria 3. Born in Australia, Gulum played for Australia at under-23 level before electing to represent Turkey in senior competition.

International Career

Gulum was born in Australia to Turkish parents, meaning that he was eligible to play for Australia and Turkey from birth as per the FIFA eligibility criteria.

Australia under-23s

Gulum was involved in Australia's qualifying campaign for the 2008 Summer Olympics, he made his international debut for the Australia national under-23 association football team as an 84th-minute substitute replacing Ruben Zadkovich on 6 June 2007 away to Jordan in Ammam.

In November 2010, it was speculated that he would be selected for Australia's friendly against Egypt. After the call-up did not come, Gulum chose to represent Turkey and said that he often felt overlooked by Football Federation Australia: "For me it has been a case of being overlooked at all levels in the past for Australia, for whatever the reason has been."

Turkey

Former Australia head coach Guus Hiddink swooped and added Gulum to the Turkish squad scheduled to play the Netherlands on 17 November 2010, although he did not make his international debut for the Crescent Stars in that match.

The following month, Australia coach Osieck had met with Gulum while the Australian men's team was touring Europe and stated that Gulum was "very positive" about representing Australia. Gulum was named on the 50-man shortlist for Australia's 2011 AFC Asian Cup campaign, but was not selected in the final 23-man squad. Osieck told the press that Gulum's father "said Ersan should opt for Turkey because he plays in Turkey and makes his living there and they both feel a lot of pressure from the Turkish media and the Besiktas supporters".

This page also has a version in other languages :  Эрсан Гюлюм (russian)