This article contains adult content that may be inappropriate for minors. Please confirm that you are 18 years or older to continue. This article contains images or details that some readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Miguel Cardoso, a Portuguese player for the Turkish club Kayserispor, admitted he is considering returning to Portugal if security deteriorates in Turkey, following the interception of an Iranian missile, although he feels safe for now. "I have that concern, but I honestly think it will be difficult for it to reach me. However, if there is an escalation of the conflict, I will clearly try to return to my country, where I believe I will be safer," said the 31-year-old forward in statements to Lusa, emphasizing that despite the current "normalcy" at the club and in the city of Kayseri, he is following the rising tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel with "concern." NATO air defenses in Turkey intercepted an Iranian ballistic missile over the Eastern Mediterranean on Wednesday, with debris from the anti-aircraft munition falling in the south of the country without causing any casualties, the Turkish government reported, warning Iran that it "will not hesitate to defend its territory and airspace" and "will respond to hostile actions within the framework of international law." The player, who is in his fourth season with the Turkish club after stints with B SAD and Dynamo Moscow, revealed that the missile incident—intercepted about 400 kilometers from his location near the border—was a topic of conversation in the locker room, although it did not have an immediate impact on training routines. "Everything is normal here. We learned about the news from the Portuguese press and discussed it before training, but there were no indications or comments from the club or the Turkish government," explained the team captain. Miguel Cardoso, who is alone in Turkey, acknowledged that the absence of family makes a potential strategic exit easier. "Right now I am alone, which makes it easier if there is a change in my security. If there are any developments [in instability], I will consider returning," he admitted. The forward also expressed concern about the possible spread of the conflict in the region, reporting contacts with colleagues in other Middle Eastern countries facing "complicated and frightening" situations. "I have friends playing in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar who cannot leave their homes. I hope this does not continue for much longer and does not spread, for the good of all of us," concluded the athlete, who feels, for now, "protected" by being far from the U.S. military bases located near the borders with Iran and Syria.
Turkey This Miguel Cardoso remains central to this story.
Turkey This Miguel Cardoso remains central to this story.
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