The Vincenzo Montella era has come to an end for the Turkish National Football Team. Following his departure, the Italian coach bid farewell to the Crescent-Stars and Turkey with a message published on his social media account.
In his message, Montella stated that managing the Turkish National Team was a "great honor" for him. The experienced coach thanked the then-President of the Turkish Football Federation, Mehmet Büyükekşi, and his team for trusting him during his appointment process, and also extended his individual thanks to the players, technical staff, and federation management he worked with throughout his tenure.
The Italian coach expressed that the loving messages he received from his players demonstrated the bond between them, and he also thanked President İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu and the Turkish Football Federation for the trust they placed in him.
Emphasizing the support of the fans, Montella noted that the interest shown in the national team in different parts of the world was unforgettable for him. Stating that football is not just about results and trophies, Montella noted that how a coach is remembered when leaving a country is just as important as the successes achieved on the pitch.
Concluding his farewell message with emotional expressions, Montella conveyed his commitment to Turkey with the words, "Thank you, Turkey. You will always have a very special place in my heart."
The full text of Montella's farewell message is as follows:
"Every beautiful story has an end, but some journeys leave marks far beyond football.
It was a great honor for me to serve as the head coach of the Turkish National Football Team.
Three years ago, I was appointed to manage the national team of this beautiful country. Therefore, I would like to heartfully thank the then-President, Mr. Mehmet Büyükekşi, and his team, who believed in me at the beginning of our journey and did not spare their trust and appreciation.
I sincerely thank our players for their selfless struggle, efforts, and commitment. The countless loving messages I received from them after my tenure as head coach ended were once again proof of this strong bond between us. I heartfully thank my technical staff and all my colleagues for their tireless efforts; our President, Mr. İbrahim Ethem Hacıosmanoğlu, and the Turkish Football Federation for the trust they placed in me; and most importantly, our fans for their unique passion and the support they gave us all around the world.
Together, we experienced unforgettable moments, achieved historic successes, overcame challenges, and wrote a special story in the history of this country. I will always carry all these memories and the warmth the Turkish people made me feel in my heart.
Football is not just about results and trophies. In my opinion, how a coach is remembered when leaving a country is as important as the successes achieved on the pitch. I hope that the Turkish people will remember me with love and respect, thanks to those unforgettable emotions we experienced together with my players and my technical staff.
Thank you, Turkey. You will always have a very special place in my heart."
News Source: 12punto
