Action star Jason Statham sings Turkey's praises

ANTALYA, Turkey

Action star Jason Statham on Friday sang Turkey’s praises after two months on the Turkish Riviera to shoot his next project.

Statham, 53, said that he was very impressed by Turkish culture and hospitality and that he wanted to come back to sunny Antalya with his family.

Statham was in the Mediterranean resort city for his role in Five Eyes, the latest offering by British director Guy Ritchie.

While staying at a hotel at the Belek Tourism Center, Statham also met with Ali Safak Ozturk, the hotel chairman, who said he was glad to host the movie star.

Statham is known for his roles in recent Fast and Furious movies as well as the Transporter and Ritchie’s Lock, Stock and Two Smoking Barrels.

Shooting in Antalya for Five Eyes began on Jan. 21.

In addition to the EXPO area, which was turned into a giant film set, filming took place in the historical district of Kaleici and the city’s Cumhuriyet Square.