Fuente : UEFA (English)
http://www.uefa.com/

FIFA World Cup: Final salute for 'Big Captain' Bülent

/noticias.info/ Turkey fans might have hoped for a happier end to the career of one of their finest players than the 3-1 defeat by Bulgaria in a Sofia friendly on Wednesday. The ten minutes defender Bülent Korkmaz spent on the pitch may be most supporters' fondest memory of the night.

Early bath
The 36-year-old Galatasaray SK defender was replaced by Besiktas JK's Ibrahim Toraman ten minutes into the game to bring down the curtain on 15 years' national service, starting against the Republic of Ireland in October 1990.

Final hurrah
"Everything that begins has an end," said Bülent. "I was really excited when I received my final call-up. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the coaches, coaching staff and Turkish Football Association presidents I have worked with over the past 15 years.

'Nice gesture'
"In addition, I would like to say a special 'thank you' to [current coach] Fatih Terim and his crew for their nice gesture in letting me play against Bulgaria," he added. "I have quit the international arena but I have not yet decided whether to quit club football."

Combative style
Bülent became a regular for Turkey thanks to his exceptional marking and tackling skills. His bravery and combative style made him a model for aspiring defenders, and if his aggression occasionally got the better of him, it was all part of a ferocious will to win.

'The Big Captain'
The man Galatasaray fans call 'The Big Captain' joined the Istanbul side as a trainee before being promoted to the senior squad in 1987. He stayed at the club 18 years, winning eight Turkish titles and six Turkish Cups, as well as the UEFA Cup and UEFA Super Cup, before being released this summer.

World Cup finals
His appearance for Turkey on Wednesday evening was his 102nd in a career that took in the finals of EURO '96™, UEFA EURO 2000™ and most famously, the 2002 FIFA World Cup, where Senol Günes's team stunned the world by finishing third.

Colleagues' praise
Although he is still without a club, his international colleagues are keen to see him back in the game as soon as possible. "He has had a bright career," said Galatasaray striker Hakan Sükür. "He still wants to play football and I am fully behind him." Goalkeeper Rüstü Reçber, who like Hakan Sükür played with Bülent for club and country, added: "Bülent is a legend. He made a massive contribution to the national side. I wish every player could deserve such a farewell."

Professional standard
Fenerbahçe SK defender Ümit Özat was full of praise too, saying: "He was the perfect definition of a professional and he was an inspiration to everybody. I do not think he could ever stay completely out of football."

Golden player
Whether he decides to return as a player or as a coach, Bülent will remain a fantastic example to young Turkish players who wish to establish themselves in his position in the future. Age never diminished his hunger for the game, and Turkey will never quite be the same without him. notas_de_prensa_archivo