Hasan Arat bids emotional farewell to Beşiktaş: 'I am leaving here with my head held high'

Hasan Arat has stepped down from his position as president of Beşiktaş due to personal reasons.

Following this decision, a farewell ceremony was held for President Arat at Tüpraş Stadium. Hasan Arat, who bid farewell one by one to board members, led by Second President Hüseyin Yücel, as well as athletes, staff, fans, and members of the press, later made a statement.

"THE TIME HAS COME, I NEEDED TO GO, AND I AM GOING"

Emphasizing that such farewells should be considered normal in democratic environments, Arat said, "Just as I came through these doors at the age of 17 with my head held high and my conscience clear, I am leaving here today in the same honorable way, with my head held high.

Today, our athletes, staff, many of our friends, fans, and young people have shown the courtesy to be here.

Bidding them farewell is one of the most natural things we must do. I have always told you that we are temporary.

Today, we are experiencing the nobility of ending this duty together here. These are very normal things in democracies. The time has come, I needed to go, and I am going. Because of this, my heart is at ease, and I am very much at peace," he stated.

"NO ONE WILL BE ABLE TO USE BEŞİKTAŞ AS THEY WISH"

Stating that 'You do not have to be president to love Beşiktaş,' Hasan Arat expressed the following:

"From now on, Beşiktaş is entrusted to all the young people you see here. No one will be able to use Beşiktaş as they wish. I wish success to my friends who will take on the duty from now on. Beşiktaş is a very large community.

It will overcome these difficulties. Beşiktaş will always find the right path with its owners and its fans. Let us always trust this community. Please do not throw in the towel during times of crisis. These things can happen. These things can happen in sports.

I get very excited every time I come to the door of this museum. I was very excited today as well. I will be very excited as I leave now.

This excitement of mine will never end. You do not have to be president to love Beşiktaş. From now on, I will maintain my love for Beşiktaş exactly as it is as a fan, and I will continue to experience this beauty together with this beautiful Beşiktaş community.

I thank you all very much for the trust you have shown me to this day and for the votes you gave us by trusting us in the election. Goodbye to you all, and please forgive me."