Sukur vowes to quit future Finals

Hakan Sukur has accused his Turkey colleagues of "playing for themselves" and vowed not to participate in future World Cups and European Championships.

After lacklustre showings in his two matches at this World Cup, the Parma striker has come in for strong criticism in the Turkish media.

Sukur is convinced he has become a scapegoat after not scoring against Brazil or Costa Rica and is ready to call time on his international career.

He said: "We came here to be successful and we could have beaten Brazil and Costa Rica, but that didn't happen.

"I am one of the players who got criticised most and everybody has a point where they can not take it any more.

"I am tired of it and I am ready for my penalty if I am the guilty party.

"I will wear the Turkey shirt for the European Championship qualifiers and do my best, but I will not be there for tournaments like the European Championship finals. If I get the call I will ask to be excused.

"They blame me not getting into scoring positions.

"They are right, but check the team - the midfielders are playing for themselves. This is a tournament where they can showcase themselves and this is their priority. Who will give me the ball?

"Nobody talks about this."