Football fans from various countries enjoy festival ahead of Champions League final in Istanbul

By Muhammed Enes Calli and Emre Asikci

ISTANBUL (AA) - Residents of Istanbul are elated that their city will be hosting the biggest football event of 2023, the Champions League final, with the participation of thousands of football fans from around the world.

The final between Manchester City and Inter Milan will be held at Atatürk Olympic Stadium on Saturday, but the events, festival and competitions for the fans started at Yenikapi Festival Park (Etkinlik Alani), which has a magnificent view of the sea.

The UEFA Champions Festival will take place from Thursday to Sunday. Visitors can experience activities including unique selfie opportunities, live music and football-related entertainment.

Working as a golf manager in Dubai, Tom Nicholson arrived in Istanbul with his brother Alex to watch the final.

Born in Manchester, Nicholson played for Manchester City Academy until he was 16.

"The event seems great. We just landed this morning (Thursday), so we’ve just come for a walk now. The people seem friendly. The weather seems nice."

He described the football culture in Manchester City as "very passionate."

"We never used to win much, so we're used to getting beat. So we're quite humble, I think, as a fan base."

He believes that winning this trophy would be amazing for the club.

"I think every club would love to win the Champions League trophy, for Pep Guardiola to win it with us, for the club. It's the one that's missing."

Participants have a chance to see the prestigious iconic Champions League trophy at the festival.

"I was amazed. It's nice to be so close to it," said Alex.

This will be the second Champions League final that the Nicholson brothers will witness.

"We also went to Porto a few years ago when Chelsea beat us, so I'm looking forward to this one. Hopefully, it's a bit of a different result."

Chelsea sealed a 1-0 victory against Manchester City with Kai Havertz scoring the only goal in the 2021 Champions League final in Porto, Portugal.

The event has also attracted visitors from thousands of kilometers away from Türkiye.

Hector “Caramelo” Chavez, 60, a football enthusiast from Mexico, traveled to Istanbul with his son to watch the match at the stadium.

"We are here for the final to invite everybody to the World Cup in 2026 in Mexico," he said.

The 2026 World Cup will be co-hosted by the US, Canada and Mexico.

"I've participated (as a spectator) in 10 World Cups. I’ve watched 486 games so far, and this is my first time (attending a match) in the Champions League," he said.

"I think it's going to be great because there is one player whose name is (Erling) Haaland. I remember one more star in Mexico in the 1970 World Cup, Pele, one of the best players in the world. In 1986, there was Maradona. And now, I think maybe Haaland will be a superstar."

Caramelo was at Estadio Azteca for the 1986 World Cup final in Mexico City when Argentina defeated West Germany 3-2.

"I love traveling. I've been to the Olympic Games when we won the gold medal in London in 2012 and will also be at the CONCACAF Gold Cup," he added.

- Football legends to take on pitch as part of festival on Friday

The festival will continue with a football match on Friday, with the teams compromised of football legends including Luis Figo, Roberto Carlos, Clarence Seedorf, Kaka and Patrick Vieira.

Living in the US state of Virginia, Gabriel Dodson, 30, traveled thousands of miles to Istanbul for his first Champions League final. He is a big Inter Milan fan because of his Italian roots.

"I came here to see Inter Milan versus Manchester City. I am excited. We went to the Milan Derby in Milan this year, so I am happy to be here to follow them to Istanbul."

"It's going to be a tough match. Manchester City is in top form this year. It's going to be a tough one. But I think we have the defense to be able to lock them down and be able to keep it close and that five defenders in the back are going to do well versus Manchester City."

Dodson is excited to be part of the festival.

"The event's great. Everything's been perfect so far. I got here pretty easily. Everything's organized. This is the first line I've hopped in, so I'm looking forward to walking around and getting some food and some merchandise."

Inter Milan took home the Coppa Italia (Italian Cup) in back-to-back seasons and finished the Serie A table in third spot this year.

Manchester City will go for the third jewel of their treble crown on Saturday as the Sky Blues have so far won the Premier League title and the FA Cup.