Galatasaray reunites for UEFA Cup victory anniversary

At a special event held at Galatasaray High School, Galatasaray Sports Club President Dursun Özbek, former president Faruk Süren, legendary head coach Fatih Terim, former team captain Bülent Korkmaz, and members of the club's management came together to celebrate the anniversary of the unforgettable triumph.

President Dursun Özbek emphasized that May 17th is a very special day for Galatasaray every year, stating, "As you know, today is the 26th anniversary of our UEFA Cup win. Every year on May 17th, we meet with the legends who contributed to this success, which is one of Galatasaray's most significant victories. I would like to thank my president, my coach, and my captain for being here today. They did not turn us down and came to join us. We will be together to commemorate this day and share our memories. I thank them. Such gatherings provide us with support for Galatasaray's future European triumphs. I thank everyone who contributed."

Former president Faruk Süren signaled that the club, which achieved a first for Turkish football, is poised for new successes in Europe. Süren said, "26 years ago, a Turkish team won the UEFA Cup for the first time. We hoped that Galatasaray would achieve this feat one or two more times within these 26 years, but it didn't happen. I am certain that if a cup is to be won from now on, it will be Galatasaray that wins it again. We thank the president for bringing us together and for remembering. Thanks to him, both my captain Bülent Korkmaz and our head coach, the 'Emperor' Fatih Terim, are here."

HEAD COACH FATİH TERİM'S EMOTIONS

The legendary head coach of the yellow-red team, Fatih Terim, shared his belief that the club will break its own record. Terim stated, "I congratulate my president on his success over the four-year period. I also congratulate the management. I send my heartfelt congratulations to Okan Buruk, who was my student and is now my colleague. I hope that Galatasaray will break its own record. Galatasaray has that strength."

Emphasizing that the UEFA Cup was not the result of one person's efforts but the entire Galatasaray community, Terim said, "On that day, it might have appeared that our captain and our team were the ones lifting the cup. In reality, it was Galatasaray's own values that lifted that trophy. This cup was lifted by its fans, its community, its high school, its football team, and its management. The place we are in is also a historic place. This is not just a school; it is a place of ideas. The European success that is already in Galatasaray's genes has arrived. This success is the path of those who worked together and believed together. I congratulate everyone who contributed that day and the fans. No serious success is a coincidence. The UEFA Cup victory is the success of four years of work and believing together. I remember what I said after the UEFA Cup: 'I feel like I've had a child.' I couldn't describe my joy. Over 26 years, the importance of this success has become even clearer. I thank the players who contributed to this success for bringing this beautiful cup to the country."

The team's unforgettable captain, Bülent Korkmaz, expressed that despite the passing years, the joy and pride brought by the cup still live on within the community. Korkmaz said, "As our president Faruk Süren said, Galatasaray Club was the first to bring a European cup to the country. We are still experiencing the happiness of this even after 26 years. We still see that love and respect. Hopefully, Galatasaray's next goal will be the UEFA Champions League trophy. I hope we lift that cup as soon as possible. By doing so, we will show what a great club and community we are."

News Source: 12punto